The everyday growing number of women entrepreneurs clearly shows that the attitude towards self-employed women is changing. This trend should be supported trough incresing the opportunities for women to be succesfull in their enterprenurial activities. In a world whch is increasingly becoming dependent on the online envioronment, WECAN project team identified several free courses which can help WECoaches improve the business acumen of women entrepreneurs and wanna-be entrepreneurs.
The list is as follows:
1. 10,000 Women
By: Goldman Sachs
Duration of Online Course: 12 weeks
CONTENT: 10,000 Women is a two-part course. Part one is a two-week introductory course that develops the understanding of “the three key ingredients of the growth potential: enterprneuer, the business, and the opportunity.” The curriculum sets out to improve the productivity of the business. Part two is ten weeks and is focused on developing strategies for theBusiness Growth Plan (BGP).
Who It’s Right For: This course is for “women leaders of established businesses in emerging economies.” Enrollees should have more than three employees and “revenue of more than $50,000 per year.”
This course is intended to help women entrepreneurs who have faced obstacles in their business and are looking for solutions and support from other women.
2. Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell
By: Cornell University and Bank of America
Duration of Online Course: 6 two-week courses, 12 weeks total
CONTENT: This program is designed to help entrepreneurs gain valuable leadership skills and learn how to make perceptive business decisions.
Courses cover topics such as entrepreneurship, finding clients, creating a business model, executing product development and digital marketing, building a legal framework, obtaining financial resources, developing leadership skills, and strengthening communication and negotiation.
It is recommended to take Course 1 first, which will help in doscovering what is important for the women enteprnuer and how to help her in exploring specific strategies on how to achive it; after that, courses may be taken in any order.
Who It’s Right For: This program is ideal for women who are thinking of or just getting started with their business. It will help them build a strong foundation for success.
3. Builders Program
By: Women Entrepreneur
Duration of Online Course: On your own time
CONTENT: Builders Program offers 6 courses, and the first course on “Risk-Taking & Entrepreneurship” is free. This course thoroughly covers women in culture and explores why women are natural brand builders.
The course offers inside tips on how to “take risks from different innovators and leaders such as the greatest free climber, the first person to circumnavigate the world, and a neuroscientist.” There will also be worksheets with practical exercises coupled with opportunities for practical work on business strategies.
Who It’s Right For: Builders Program “Risk Taking & Entrepreneurship” course is great for those who are thinking of starting a business, as well as those who are looking to grow their existing business. It is also relevant for those who are looking for a cultural understanding of women to help take their business to the next level. It’s as much for personal growth as it is for professional growth.
4. Women Helping Women to Succeed
By: Denise Fletcher, Kristen Palana, Angelika Davey, Sharon Ramel, Mary Cummings
Duration of Online Course: 4 hours of on-demand videos, 17 minutes of on-demand audios
CONTENT: This course offers a holistic approach to success. You will build a stronger sense of self and drive to set you on the right path to achieve your goals, a foundation of positive self-esteem, learn how to practice self-care, develop leadership skills to apply in your personal and professional life, and develop hands-on business skills.
It is as much about growing your person as it is about your business. At its core, it is a support system for women by women.
Who It’s Right For: This course is for women looking for support and motivation to grow personally and professionally. It is for women who strive to be the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives.
5. Get Your Startup Started
By: Google
Duration of Online Course: Approximately 3 weeks.
CONTENT: This is a practical course that will teach how to pitch ideas to investors so the business on a healthy budget. The course is focused on developing mission statements and setting short and long-term goals.
Who It’s Right For: This course is great for those just starting to put together their business vision and plans. It is especially helpful for those trying to fund and strategically start their business.
Source: The following article is adapted from Startup Savant, which can be found on the following link
