WISE Summit

🌟 Join Us for Elevate Your Leadership - Mastering Strategies for Success! 🌟 Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out on your leadership journey, this event is designed for you! 👉 Register Below: Let's elevate your leadership together! 🚀 What to Expect: 🔹 Navigate Leadership Complexities: Gain confidence and clarity in your leadership role. 🔹 Invaluable Insights: Explore a variety of leadership principles, from self-leadership to authentic leadership development. 🔹 Personal Success: Learn to define what success means for you. 🔹 Combat Unrealistic Thinking: Develop strategies to overcome common leadership challenges. 🔹 Understand Retention: Discover the underlying reasons why people quit and how to address them. Why Attend? This transformative training session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to become a leader worth following. You'll leave with actionable strategies to elevate your leadership skills and inspire your team. #LeadershipDevelopment #ElevateYourLeadership #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipJourney

📣 Let's get the BAG ladies! 💃 💃 💃 Share this post with a diverse woman entrepreneur TODAY! 🌟 Sephora Beauty Grant SEPHORA Beauty Grant. In partnership with Fifteen Percent Pledge, the Sephora Beauty Grant awards to a Black-owned beauty business, aiming to close funding gaps and promote equity within the beauty industry.($100,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/d2pc6mSs 🌟  Live Your Dream Grant for Women The Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Live Your Dream Awards provide monetary assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Up to $10,000 Link: https://lnkd.in/ePx_nzq 🌟 Beyoncé’s $10K Salon & Barbershop Grants Beyoncé's Cécred x BeyGOOD Foundation Fund is awarding five $10K business grants to qualifying salon or barbershop owners in specific cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New Jersey). ($10,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/eEarXU7G 🌟  eBay Circular Fashion Fund The eBay Circular Fashion Fund invests in businesses from fashion start-ups and beyond as they scale innovative solutions from production to end-of-life. ($50,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/dfh94NVR 🌟 Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program ($5,000) Targeted to small certified suppliers in specific states, this program engages diverse suppliers in educational funding readiness training and funder matching to support capacity building. ($5,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/gt8y3tG9 🌟  Retail Readiness Training Program with Walmart and Watson Institute Link: https://lnkd.in/e8xTpE73

Here's some exciting news about women-led startups in Kenya. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, in collaboration with @iBizAfrica at Strathmore University, recently awarded a total of Ksh8.75 million to seven remarkable women-led startups as part of the seventh cohort of the Women in Tech Incubation Program. Let's dive into the details: 1. MOMA Renewable Energy: This startup produces liquid renewable fuels, specifically an ethanol-based cooking fuel derived from food waste and byproducts. 2. Hayah Cradle To Bloom: A data-driven platform that provides tools for retailers to optimize inventory, make data-driven decisions, and increase sales. 3. Zidallie - Student Transportation Service: A leading provider of comprehensive transport solutions that ensures safe and efficient transportation for students. 4. Gwiji for Women: A tech social enterprise that empowers marginalized and underprivileged women from slum communities who work as casual cleaners. 5. Zaoshinani : A Fintech company driving agricultural transformation using technology and data to steer financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in rural Kenya. 6. AerialGIS: A web application that seamlessly fuses subdivision maps with interactive mapping and VR technology to virtually transport property seekers to the property location on the map. 7. PSYCHCARE KENYA LTD-CLINIC: A level 2 facility offering mental healthcare services, regulated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board. The award ceremony, themed 'Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future,' celebrated these startups that combine technological innovation with sustainable solutions while upholding the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. This initiative aligns with the triple bottom-line approach of driving profits, benefiting people, and preserving the planet. Since its inception seven years ago, the Women in Tech Incubator has provided over 64 women-led startups with business incubation and Sh1.3 million in seed funding for 32 of those businesses. The seventh cohort, which started in April 2024, attracted over 130 applications. Fifteen startups were selected for a rigorous 12-week incubation, focusing on sustainability practices, financial modeling, product development, and ESG integration. Strathmore University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr.Vincent Ogutu, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Investing in women is like activating a lever that drives exponential growth, impact, and sustainability." For more details, you can read about it [here](https://lnkd.in/gp-MnZXu). And if you're interested in creating more positive impact, check out the Women in Tech Program at [Suno.ai](https://app.suno.ai).

🚀 Calling all Women in Machine Learning Community members! 🌟 Are you looking to level up your career in ML/AI or share your expertise with the next generation of women and non-binary individuals in the field? Join the new edition of the Women in Machine Learning Mentoring Program! 🤖✨ https://lnkd.in/dSiQtKUa 👩💻 Mentees: Gain valuable insights, guidance, and support from experienced researchers in the field. Whether you're a student, an academic or a working professional, this is your chance to learn, grow, and accelerate your career. 👩🏫 Mentors: Make a lasting impact by empowering aspiring ML/AI researchers. Share your knowledge, offer advice, and help shape the future of the community. 🔗 Sign up now and be part of a vibrant community that champions diversity and innovation in Machine Learning! Use the form available at:👉https://lnkd.in/dE5EhnAm Eligible mentees for this program are all women and non-binary individuals who are working or want to access the fields of Machine Learning and AI. We are launching 3 cohorts for 1) Post-graduate degree applicants, Post-Master's/post-Ph.D 2) Industry job seeker looking at their first industry position in ML/AI post-Master's/post-Ph.D 3) Faculty job seeker cohort entering the academic job market Eligible mentors for this program are all (women, nonbinary, allies) individuals with experience & availability to participate. The program will run between October 2024 and June 2025. Application deadline on the 15th of September. Late applications will be considered with a lower priority. #WiML #MachineLearning #ML #AI #Mentorship

What if the next big idea is just a wild thought away? As we update and improve our current products, services, and solutions, let's not overlook the potential for creating something entirely new. We have to have faith in bringing those wild ideas to life. It's hard, but not as impossible as it may seem. Innovation isn't just about refining what exists; it's about daring to dream beyond the conventional. It's about asking ourselves, "What if?" and then taking the bold steps to explore those possibilities. In my journey as an advocate for sustainable development and a growth strategist, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of innovation. It's the spark that ignites change, the force that drives progress, and the key to unlocking new opportunities. ______________________________________________________ For instance, Google's X (formerly Google X) is known for its "moonshot" projects, like self-driving cars and Project Loon, which aims to provide internet access via high-altitude balloons. Similarly, Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry with its electric vehicles and energy solutions, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Well according to a report by McKinsey & Company , companies that prioritize innovation are 2.2 times more likely to outperform their peers in terms of financial performance. Moreover, the Global Innovation Index 2023 highlights that countries investing heavily in innovation, like Switzerland and Sweden, consistently lead in economic growth and development. So, let's embrace the unknown, challenge the status quo, and invest in those seemingly outlandish ideas. Because sometimes, the most groundbreaking innovations come from the wildest thoughts. __________________________________________________________ Quick Tip for Cultivating an Innovative Mindset: - Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek to understand the 'why' behind things. - Embrace Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. - Collaborate: Engage with diverse teams to gain new perspectives and ideas. - Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and emerging technologies. - Take Risks: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. What wild idea are you ready to bring to life? ♻️Reshare with your network if this hits home. #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SustainableDevelopment #GrowthStrategy #WildIdeas

Agriculture is the backbone of the African continent, and when fully developed, it has the power to transform the lives of countless women and youths. The Community Women's Enterprise Network (CWEN) is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering women entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their businesses. CWEN is raising $50,000 to establish a state-of-the-art food processing facility in Uganda. This facility will provide affordable, high-standard spaces for women entrepreneurs to process and add value to their food products, creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the community¹. Why Support This Initiative? - Empower Women Entrepreneurs: By providing the necessary infrastructure, CWEN helps women overcome barriers to growth and succeed in the food industry. - Create Jobs: The facility will generate employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths, contributing to the local economy. - Promote Sustainable Development: Supporting this initiative aligns with the broader goal of sustainable development and economic empowerment in Africa. How You Can Help Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact. Together, we can create a brighter future for women entrepreneurs in Uganda and beyond. 🔗 Donate Now: [ https://lnkd.in/g2SBQQSn ] Let's come together to support this vital cause and make a lasting difference. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable development! #SupportCWEN #EmpowerWomen #SustainableDevelopment #Agriculture #Uganda CWEN. https://www.cwen.or.ug/ Hadijah Nankanja Andrej Kravčuk Community Women's Enterprise Network

From the released document by the BCG on why women-owned startups are a better bet, it's essential to shine a spotlight on the incredible women driving innovation and sustainable growth across Africa. I'm sure you're familiar with Cikay Richards and Sharola Akoth Odipo. A story for another day! Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the world's highest rate of women involved in entrepreneurial activity, with 26% of women engaged in startups. Countries like Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana lead the way, not only having a high percentage of female-owned businesses but also providing formal support for women entrepreneurs. Despite their immense potential, women entrepreneurs face significant funding gaps. A recent report revealed that only 3% of investments in African startups between 2013 and 2021 went to female-led ventures. This disparity arises from factors such as limited access to capital, gender discrimination, and self-limiting beliefs. Recognizing the pivotal role of female-led startups, the African Development Bank emphasizes their contribution to economic growth and financial integration through job creation. Bridging the funding gap could lead to a projected $316 billion increase in Africa's GDP by 2025. Imagine the positive ripple effect on communities, families, and future generations! To champion women entrepreneurs, we must foster collaboration, authenticity, and continuous learning. Governments and policymakers can implement targeted policies, including gender-responsive budgeting and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Let's create an ecosystem where women-led startups thrive, lifting entire communities along the way. Share your thoughts! How can we collectively empower female entrepreneurs in Africa? Let's amplify their voices, celebrate their achievements, and build a supportive ecosystem beyond funding. Together, we can drive sustainable development and innovation across the continent. WISE Summit Jaûne Odombrown Santosh Paragond #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AfricaRising #SustainableGrowth

Creating ecosystems that support women entrepreneurs goes beyond funding. It's about building trust in their executive capabilities, sharing networks, and providing resources tailored to their unique challenges. This data-driven approach will help us create more targeted and effective strategies to support women entrepreneurs.Ultimately, it's about creating a culture of inclusivity and equality in the business world. By working together, we can break down barriers and unlock the full potential of women-led innovation. #Innovation #WomenEntrepreneurs #DiversityInLeadership #InclusiveEcosystem #WISESummit

“Starting your own business is too risky.” “You need to be wealthy to be an entrepreneur.” These are just a few of the things people told me when I first started my business. And I’m living proof that neither of those things are true. BUT… Starting a business can indeed be expensive. So, if you’re a Black woman who is an aspiring business owner… You need to know about these 44 grants (check the comments) that make starting, maintaining, and growing your small business. If finances are holding you back... apply for one (or MANY) of these! What have you got to lose? . . . #WomenEmpoweringWomen #blackwomenentrepreneurs #blackwomanownedbusiness #womenentrepreneurs #SmallBusinessGrants

🌟 Discover the Future of Corporate Innovation! 🌟 Join us for an enlightening panel discussion. Our panelist will dive deep into the world of corporate innovation, comparing it with entrepreneurial approaches and discussing the unique challenges and strategies that drive success. 🔹 Why This Conversation Matters: - Explore the synthesis of internal strategies and agency partnerships that catalyze innovation within major corporations. - Understand the pivotal role of AI and how economic shifts are shaping the innovation landscape. - Delve into the evolving role of women in technology and innovation, highlighting breakthroughs and ongoing challenges. 🔗 Reserve Your Spot Below