The HERImpact: Entrepreneurship for Impact Program kicked off in Chicago with a successful event at M Hub Chicago. This initiative, a collaboration between 1863 Ventures and Ford Philanthropy, aims to empower women entrepreneurs of color with the necessary skills to grow and scale their businesses over a six-month virtual accelerator program.
With a focus on providing technical assistance, fostering networking opportunities, and exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship and community impact, the HERImpact program has accepted 40 women into its cohort. Participants will benefit from monthly online workshops, coaching sessions, and masterclasses led by industry experts from 1863 Ventures and Ford Philanthropy. Upon completion of the program, each entrepreneur will also receive a $2,000 grant.
The kickoff event included workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for participants to connect with local leaders, Ford Fund representatives, and fellow entrepreneurs. Esteemed speakers like Jennifer Lyle from the Ford Philanthropy and Melissa Bradley from 1863 Ventures shared insights on entrepreneurial mindset, customer understanding, growth processes, and financial management.
To qualify for the program, applicants had to be women founders of color operating businesses in the Greater Chicago Metro Area for at least two years, generating a minimum of $25k in revenue in the most recent fiscal year. The selected entrepreneurs demonstrated high growth potential and served trending markets.
The HERImpact program collaborates with key partners like World Business Chicago, Women’s Business Development Center, Chicago Urban League, and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce/SBDC to provide comprehensive support to the participating entrepreneurs.
1863 Ventures is a business development program dedicated to accelerating new majority entrepreneurs towards high growth by 2030. Ford Philanthropy, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, supports initiatives that help individuals reach their full potential.
For more information on the HERImpact: Entrepreneurship for Impact Program and future events, visit 1863 Ventures’ website. If you’re interested in getting involved with 1863 Ventures, consider registering for their upcoming Founder to CEO Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Image source: 1863 Ventures CEO Melissa Bradley teaching 40 women business owners.
(Source: 1863 Ventures)
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