Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship Partnership

August 7, 2012

“Initiatives like 10,000 Women invest in the economic empowerment of women to promote security, stability and prosperity around the globe” 

- Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

Through a partnership between the U.S Department of State, Goldman Sachs, and the Thunderbird School of Global Management, the 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship Partnership will provide business and management education to aspiring Haitian business women.

 Learn more about the U.S Department of State and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship Partnership (PDF 1.7 MB).

The Goal

The goal is to serve 10,000 micro-entrepreneurs and aspiring business women from all over the world giving them essential skills in business management.  Participating women will develop a viable business plan suitable for presentation to potential investors and for strategic planning.  The curriculum focuses on practical business application with the goal of facilitating the expansion of existing businesses or the creation of startup enterprises.

The Program

Women entrepreneurs selected for this program will receive two weeks of business training from world class Thunderbird professors and guest lecturers with real-world experience, who will lead classroom discussions on topics such as marketing , leadership, strategy, finance, negotiation, communication, and business planning.

Morning sessions will typically involve campus lectures and discussions, while afternoons will include site visits and knowledge building exercises.  The site visits to local businesses help reinforce specific business concepts and provide exposure to women-owned businesses and successful entrepreneurs. 

Additional networking opportunities are built into meals or evening activities.

During the second week, the schedule shifts to specific businesses.  Participants use a business plan template to create short presentations which focus on key goals that each woman selects.  Possibilities include requests for funding, sales pitches to customers, human resource presentations, or marketing presentations.

When and Where

The program will bring Haitian participants to Thunderbirds’s campus in Glendale, Arizona for two weeks of business education in October 2012.

Cost

Full scholarships to the program will be awarded to selected applicants.  These scholarships will include round-trip air transportation from their home country to the United States, lodging, food, cultural site visits, U.S. ground transportation, SEVIS fee, J-1 cost for visa, in country transportation for visa interviews, and course materials being provided during the program.  The J-1 visa application fee (typically $140USD), as well as transportation (if necessary) within the country of origin for visa interviews are the responsibility of the scholar.  Participants will be reimbursed for these expenses upon arrival at Thunderbird with receipt. Reimbursement for per diem during travel days will also be given at this time with receipts.

Who should apply?

Applicants should fulfill the following criteria:

• Haitian citizen
• Age 20 and above
• Currently owns or co-owns a business
• The business is in a position to expand
• Demonstrates leadership qualities

Furthermore, candidates must consider the goal of the initiative.  10,000 Women seeks to provide an opportunity for women who would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage in overseas study or travel, therefore please consider whether you fit this profile.  Other key considerations include the candidate’s experience, their demonstrated business knowledge, financial need, community participation and leadership.  Formal secondary education is not required.

How to apply

Applicants must submit the attached application. Applications will ONLY be accepted via email.  Please disclose as much information as possible in the below application.  All submitted details are subject to future verification. Letters of recommendation and resumes may be submitted, but are not required.  They should be submitted by e-mail to: papecon@state.gov .

Deadline

Applications must be received by August 20, 2012.  Early submission of applications is encouraged. Participants will be selected by early September.  Participants will be notified by the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.

Application forms (any form may be used):

1. French (PDF 279.01 KB)
2. Creole (PDF 180.61 KB)
3. English (PDF 188.39 KB)

Learn more about the program:

1. Website: Thunderbird School of Global Management
2. Twitter: @Tbirdforgood
3. Facebook: Thunderbird for Good