Key Takeaways:
- A groundbreaking series of programs is set to boost the skills and opportunities of female entrepreneurs in Poland and Ukraine.
- The initiative, supported by the Visa Foundation, includes educational and development programs tailored for women founders.
- The program aims to address the underrepresentation of women in the European startup ecosystem and enable them to scale their businesses globally.
Empowering Women in Business: A New Era Begins In an era where gender equality in the business sector is increasingly spotlighted, a new initiative emerges as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Poland and Ukraine. Spearheaded by Huge Thing, with the backing of the Visa Foundation, this initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in the European business landscape.
The Stark Reality: A Gender Disparity in Startups Despite the growing awareness of gender disparity, the European startup scene remains predominantly male-dominated. A recent study by Boston Consulting Group, in collaboration with Sista, revealed a striking statistic: only 10% of the startups founded in 2022 in Europe were led by women. This imbalance is not just a statistic; it represents a multitude of missed opportunities and untapped potential in the business world.
The Initiative: Cultivating Female Business Talent Understanding the urgent need to support and cultivate female business talent, Huge Thing, led by CEO Monika Synoradzka, has launched a series of developmental programs. The initiative, named ‘Facilitating Female Founders Program,’ is an ambitious project aimed at providing women with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive in the competitive world of startups.
Female Founders Fundraising Academy: Opening Doors to Success The highlight of this initiative is the Female Founders Fundraising Academy. Set to commence recruitment on December 11th, this program is a deep dive into the practicalities of business scaling and capital acquisition. It covers crucial aspects like negotiation with investors, startup valuations, and legal nuances, equipping participants with the know-how to navigate the complex waters of business funding.
A Program for Every Stage: From Pre-Accelerator to Global Expansion The initiative is not limited to established entrepreneurs but also reaches out to those at the cusp of their business journey. The Female Startup Pre-accelerator program caters to founders in the early stages, offering guidance, mentorship, and a grant of $10,000 for the top ten participants to bolster their ventures.
Visa Foundation: A Strong Ally in Women’s Entrepreneurial Journey The role of the Visa Foundation in this endeavor cannot be overstated. As expressed by Najada Kumbuli, Head of Investments & Partnerships, the Foundation’s involvement is pivotal in bridging the gaps in access to capital, skills, and networks for women entrepreneurs in Poland and Ukraine. Their commitment underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing systemic challenges in the business ecosystem.
A Network of Opportunity and Growth Apart from skill development, the programs offer an invaluable opportunity for women to expand their professional network, gain mentorship from seasoned experts, and secure funding to realize their business aspirations. This holistic approach is a testament to the initiative’s commitment to not just educate but also to empower and elevate women in the business realm.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future As recruitment for these transformative programs begins, there is a palpable sense of optimism and anticipation. The collaboration between Huge Thing and the Visa Foundation symbolizes a significant stride towards a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. This initiative is more than just a series of programs; it’s a movement towards shattering the glass ceiling and redefining the future of business for women in Poland, Ukraine, and beyond.
For more information on the program and to participate, visit Huge Thing’s website.
Further Reading: Boston Consulting Group & Sista Report
About Huge Thing: Founded in 2012 by SpeedUp Group, Huge Thing has been at the forefront of nurturing the startup ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe. With a strong foundation in innovation and business development, they continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.
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