WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP
RESOURCE TOOLKIT
This Programming Toolkit provides links, resources, and activities for American Spaces to create programs to promote women’s entrepreneurship, a key U.S. foreign policy priority around the world. When women are economically empowered, they re-invest in their families and communities, producing a multiplier effect that spurs economic growth and contributes to global peace and stability.
WHAT IS WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP
It’s when women start, run, and grow their own businesses. Women entrepreneurs can ensure financial stability for their family and community. When women are economically secure, they invest in their families and communities, spurring economic growth and creating more stable societies.
In January 2023, the first ever interagency U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security was released. It outlines a whole-of- government approach to advancing women’s economic security.
ADVICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS
- Join Entrepreneurial Networks: A network can provide support, ideas and people to talk to about your business plans.
- Find a Great Mentor: Find someone with experience who can advocate for you and provide advice.
- Practice Your “Pitch”: Practice your business proposal with different people. This will prepare you with important decision-makers.
- Tell Your Story: Telling your story helps people connect with you. This can inspire them to help you or to create a business as well.
- Help Others: Once you are successful in your business, help others be the same. It strengthens the community and ensures diversity in business.
November 19 is Women’s Entrepreneurship Day!
There are programs and fellowships through WED that American Spaces patrons can apply for.
RESOURCES
YALI Courses – This U.S. government organized network provides free online business courses.
Dream Builder – DreamBuilder offers online courses that teach the skills and knowledge needed to start or grow a business. See also: Dreambuilder: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Enabling Entrepreneurs – From the Office of Alumni Affairs, here are several resources for entrepreneurs
USAID – This site shows what America is doing to promote women’s economic empowerment
World Bank – Women entrepreneurs’ inspiring stories
10,000 Women – an online entrepreneurship course from Goldman Sachs (offered in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, and Spanish)
Films in Kanopy
- She Did That – This documentary explores the passionate pursuit of Black women entrepreneurs
Videos, Webinars, Articles
PROGRAMMING ACTIVITY
- Conduct Market Research,
- Write a Business Plan,
- Fund Your Business,
- Pick Your Business Location,
- Choose a Business Structure,
- Choose Your Business Name,
- Register your Business,
- Get a Government Business ID,
- Apply for Any Necessary Licenses or Permits, and
- Open a Business Bank Account if Necessary.
DISCUSSION PROMPTS
If you were to start a business, what would it be? What would it be called? Who would be your target audience? What kinds of start-up funds would you need for a business? What would be the best way to get those funds?
Starting a Business Activity (60-90min)
- Introduction and split into groups of three or four people, (5-10 min)
- Each group will develop an idea for a business based on the needs of their community, (10-15 min)
- Each group will create a business plan (need computers & internet, 15-20 min)
- Groups present ideas, (10-15 min)
- Discussion on how to turn ideas and goals into a reality, (20-30 min)
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
Updated April 2023
