Chicago Launches HERImpact Program to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

HERImpact: Entrepreneurship for Impact Program Begins in Chicago, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

The eagerly awaited HERImpact: Entrepreneurship for Impact Program commenced in Chicago with a vibrant launch event at M Hub Chicago. This six-month virtual accelerator, tailored for women entrepreneurs of color, aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and resources to advance and expand their businesses.

Organized by 1863 Ventures and Ford Philanthropy, the HERImpact program welcomed 40 women into its comprehensive six-month curriculum. Participants will engage in monthly online workshops, coaching sessions, and masterclasses led by industry experts from 1863 Ventures and Ford. Upon completion, each entrepreneur will receive a $2,000 grant.

Key Event Highlights:

In-Person Kickoff: The summit included workshops on entrepreneurial mindset, customer understanding, scalable growth processes, and financial management. Esteemed speakers like Jennifer Lyle from Ford Philanthropy and Melissa Bradley from 1863 Ventures addressed the attendees.

Panel Discussion: Notable speakers from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and World Business Chicago joined a panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Lyle, exploring the state of entrepreneurship in Chicago.

Networking Reception: The day concluded with a networking reception, facilitating connections among participants, local leaders, and Ford Fund representatives.

Program Objectives:

Offer technical assistance through expert-led business education sessions. Cultivate peer-to-peer networking and a supportive community. Promote economic growth in Chicago by connecting entrepreneurs with local ecosystem leaders. Examine the intersection of entrepreneurship and community impact, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities for women founders of color.

Selection Criteria:

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 key partners such as World Business Chicago, Women’s Business Development Center, Chicago Urban League, and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce/SBDC to provide robust support for the participating entrepreneurs.

Re-reported the article originally published in Times record.