What is the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship?
The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is a 9-month program designed to support and elevate second-stage women-owned businesses in Michigan. It combines mentorship, group learning sessions, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
Who is eligible to apply?
You are invited to apply to this program after completing the SBAM Support Hub Application. All fellows are required to meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- $500,000 annual revenue
- 2+ years in business
- 5+ employees
- 5+ years of entrepreneurial experience
How do I know if I am eligible?
If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation from the President of the SBAM Foundation and be invited to fill out a participation survey. The Program Director will reach out to you and confirm your interest in the program.
How many entrepreneurs are accepted into the fellowship?
The inaugural cohort will consist of 15-20 women entrepreneurs.
How long does the program last each year?
The fellowship runs for 9 months (October-June). We run a hybrid learning model with both virtual and in-person workshops. You will receive a full calendar of events upon your acceptance into the program.
How much time requirement is committed?
Our education events are 2-4 hours of programming held in person or online. Our in-person cohort meet-ups will also have plenty of opportunities for networking and peer to peer problem solving. Outside of the schedule of events by WEF, you are required to meet with an assigned mentor once a month to support your learning and development.
Who is running the program?
The program is an initiative of the SBAM Foundation, with Kim Bode of 8THIRTHYFOUR Integrated Communication serving as the Program Director.
Who is funding this fellowship?
The SBAM Foundation’s Small Business Support Hub Grant Program, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provides funding.
How do I become a mentor?
Mentors are experienced business leaders with significant experience and longevity in business. We ask all who are interested in mentorship to fill out this web form. From there we will match you with a fellow once you are approved to participate in the program.
Funding provided by the Small Business Support Hub Grant Program from the SBAM Foundation in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.