WINC calls for entrepreneur applicants

The initiative is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPI C), funded by the government of Canada and implemented by the World Bank’s infoDev programme for innovation and entrepreneurship. It will be delivered by infoDev-trained and certified facilitators in nine countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St.

Kitts & Nevis, and TT . The call for applications closes on July 31 and the programme will begin in November. Last year, 108 women entrepreneurs from 12 countries in the Caribbean graduated from the programme. Of these, 94 per cent stated that their businesses had become more focused; 77 per cent indicated that they had significantly improved their marketing methods since joining the programme; and 73 per cent indicated having significantly improved their internal processes and organisational structure and management practices.

The eight-month peer learning programme is designed to help growth-oriented women entrepreneurs innovate within their businesses, and have the self-confidence to make the necessary changes to improve their competitiveness and boost their growth. As with the women entrepreneurs from the first cohort, participants will benefit from a suite of services including business and personal development, one-to-one mentoring, technical workshops and motivational sessions.

Women entrepreneurs will be considered for selection if they have been running their business for at least two years, the business has demonstrated growth, they have realistic plans for substantial future growth and they can devote up to eight hours per month to the programme.

Up to 15 participants will be supported.

According to past participant, Rebecca Cockburn MD, RMC Consulting Ltd., “It has been a rich experience where a lot of information is provided and we have the opportunity to share our experiences with each other.

We have been provided with so many tools and resources and have been exposed to professionals in all relevant areas of business.

I continue to learn from each of the other women entrepreneurs who belong to the group - a fantastic network of inspiring women.” Women entrepreneurs who are committed to growing and scaling their business may apply for the WINC 2017 Acceleration Programme at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/WINC-AP2.

For questions and updates, please visit: https:// www.facebook.com/WomenInnovatorsNetworkCaribbean