CHICAGO, May 17, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated HERImpact: Entrepreneurship
for Impact Program launched yesterday in Chicago with a dynamic kickoff event at M
Hub Chicago. This six-month virtual accelerator designed
specifically for women entrepreneurs of color aims to provide
participants with the skills and tools necessary to grow and scale
their businesses.
1863 Ventures & Ford Philanthropy
Launch 2024 HerImpact Chicago Cohort
Program Overview:
The HERImpact program, organized by 1863 Ventures and Ford
Philanthropy, accepted 40 women into its comprehensive six-month
curriculum. Participants will benefit from monthly online
workshops, coaching sessions, and masterclasses led by 1863 &
Ford industry experts. Each entrepreneur will receive a
$2,000 grant upon completion of the
program.
Key Event Highlights:
In-Person Kickoff: The summit featured workshops on entrepreneurial
mindset, customer understanding, scalable growth processes, and
financial management. Esteemed speakers included Jennifer Lyle from the Ford Philanthropy and
Melissa Bradley from 1863
Ventures.
- Panel Discussion: One highlight was the panel discussion on the
state of entrepreneurship in Chicago, moderated by Jennifer Lyle, with notable speakers from the
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and World Business Chicago.
- Networking Reception: The day concluded with a networking
reception, allowing participants to connect with local leaders,
Ford Fund representatives, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Program Objectives:
- Provide technical assistance through expert-led business
education sessions.
- Foster peer-to-peer networking and a supportive community.
- Stimulate economic growth in Chicago by connecting entrepreneurs with local
ecosystem leaders.
- Explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and community
impact, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities for
women founders of color.
Selection Criteria:
To qualify, applicants had to be women founders of color with
registered businesses in the Greater
Chicago Metro Area, operational for at least two years, and
generating at least $25k in revenue
in the most recent fiscal year. Their business models needed to
demonstrate high growth potential and serve trending markets.
Ecosystem Advisory Partners:
The program collaborates with several key partners, including World
Business Chicago, Women's Business Development Center, Chicago
Urban League, and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce/SBDC, to ensure
robust support for the participating entrepreneurs.
About 1863 Ventures:
1863 Ventures is a business development program that accelerates
new majority entrepreneurs from high potential to high growth.
Their mission is to create $100
billion in new wealth by 2030 through a strategic mix of
training, coaching, and funding.
About Ford Philanthropy:
Ford Philanthropy is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.
It works with nonprofit organizations to provide access to
opportunities and resources that help people reach their full
potential.
For more information about the HERImpact: Entrepreneurship for
Impact Program and future events, visit [1863 Ventures'
website](https://www.1863ventures.net) or contact the program
coordinator at info@1863ventures.net.
If you wish to become involved with 1863 Ventures, consider
registering for our upcoming Founder to CEO Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contact:
1863 Ventures
Email: info@1863ventures.net
Website: [1863 Ventures](https://www.1863ventures.net)
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SOURCE 1863 Ventures