Vital Voices GROW Fellowship (VV GROW) is a leading global accelerator program for women owners of small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, leadership development, technical assistance, and access to networks.
Through online and in-person training, Fellows focus on strategy and long-term business value and put those concepts to work with action-oriented strategic plans to grow their businesses. They amplify their role as leaders in their businesses and communities by creating jobs, stimulating long-term economic growth and producing wider social benefits.
Through the program, participants gain knowledge and skills in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, sales, strategic networking, leadership, human resources and communications. Fellows get access to valuable technical assistance and become a part of a supportive global network of women business owners, as well as the Vital Voices network.
Summary
The one-year fellowship includes:
- Virtual Learning: Through a series of webinars, assignments, one-on-one and small group calls, fellows learn about core topics and assess their businesses in order to develop and implement a strategic plan for growth. Throughout the 12 months of virtual learning, fellows gain skills and knowledge to strengthen business operations, identify and prepare for opportunities for growth and successfully achieve long-term sustainable growth.
- Virtual Convening: Fellows participate in a 3-day online conference focused on leadership and networking. Through dynamic interactive sessions, fellows connect virtually with each other, program partners, Vital Voices trainers and staff, strengthening their Vital Voices global network.
- Growth Services and Support: During the year, fellows learn about various topics and resources that are critical to achieving their business growth goals. They are connected to opportunities and individualized growth services and support provided by Vital Voices and our partners.
Details
VV GROW FELLOWSHIP- Research indicates that the real drivers of the global economy are women. As business leaders, employees, consumers and entrepreneurs, women are accelerating economic growth and improving conditions in their communities. Despite the proven benefits of women’s economic engagement, women business owners face disproportionate barriers in growing their businesses: they have difficulty accessing business networks, technology, training, financing, markets, and equal protection under the law.
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Vital Voices addresses these barriers through our signature program, the VV GROW Fellowship.
Requirements
Women entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs who:
- Own a qualifying business that…
- Have been operating this business for at least 3 years
- Employs at least 3 full-time staff including the applicant (or the equivalent of 3 full-time staff in part-time staff)
- Generates at least US $40,000 in annual sales
- Reside in the same country as their business for at least 7 months out of the year
- Are proficient in spoken and written English
- Have demonstrated leadership, key decision-making authority within their business and manage the business on an ongoing basis
- Have a commitment toward making a positive social impact and an interest in expanding their social impact
- If you are involved in more than one business, the above criteria must apply to the business that you would like to focus on during the fellowship
Interested applicants:
- Are enthusiastic about participating in a one-year business accelerator program
- Are motivated to learn new skills and make changes to grow their business
- Have the authority to make critical decisions in their business
- Are willing to commit to working with Vital Voices to track their business growth during the program and up to 3 years afterwards by being responsive and participating in data collection activities including online surveys and phone calls
- Are interested in collaborating and supporting the other women in their cohort
Fellowship Training Skills
The VV GROW Fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides customized business skills training and support valued at over US $20,000 per participant. Through the fellowship, participants will:
- Increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in strategic planning, financial management, marketing & sales, strategic networking, leadership, human resources, communications and other business-related topics
- Receive guidance, training and support from global expert business trainers and coaches
- Develop valuable relationships with a group of women business leaders from around the world (VV GROW Cohort 8)
- Participate in a transformative 3-day virtual convening
- Receive referral(s) to business support services and other growth opportunities
- Receive a certificate of program completion
- Become a member of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network upon graduation
To learn more about the VV GROW Fellowship’s unique value and impact, learn about the journey of five VV GROW fellows and their experiences with the program here.
Also, learn about other VV GROW fellows from India, Guatemala, and the US in California and Baltimore.
Other requirements
- Dedicate 2-7 hours per week (January – December 2021) for webinars, homework assignments and phone calls
- Attend the entire 3-day virtual convening in summer 2021 (date TBD)
- Submit surveys and participate in phone calls with Vital Voices
What are the participation costs?
There is a participation fee of US $1,500. Note: The fee can be paid in instalments on a schedule provided by Vital Voices.
Scholarships
A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. Details will be provided in the notifications of acceptance into the program. If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please note that within the application.
Method of Application
Applications are considered on a rolling basis until December 15, 2020, or until all participants are selected. Applicants may be asked to participate in a 1-hour Skype interview. All applicants will be notified about final decisions by December 2020. Early applications are strongly encouraged as this is a rolling basis acceptance.
