The Ford Motor Company Fund and the Michigan Women’s Foundation (MWF) have teamed up to launch a new initiative designed to assist promising female social entrepreneurs, named “Ford Empower-HER.” The pilot program was just announced at an annual MWF fundraising dinner in Detroit.
“Ford Empower-HER will inspire women with the business savvy to make a profit and the social awareness to make a positive impact on their community at the same time,” says Ford Fund Community Development Director Pamela Alexander. “[Our] success has always been rooted in innovation and Ford Empower-HER advances Ford Fund’s support for women through entrepreneurship.”
Ford Empower-HER will host a series of conferences, workshops, and seminars for established and aspiring female social entrepreneurs over the next year, evolving along the way. There are also plans to develop a business plan competition with $50,000 in investments from the Ford Fund, to be awarded to participating social entrepreneurs based on their impact in the areas of mobility, veterans, the homeless, and women’s issues. MWF will also work with social entrepreneurs to help provide professional services and additional funding.
“Our goal is to provide the education, capital and mentorship women need to start and grow sustainable businesses,” says MWF President and CEO Carolyn Cassin. “We are grateful that Ford has chosen investing in women to be among their priorities and we are thrilled to be selected to partner with them on Ford Empower-HER.”
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