Bellarmine University’s Rubel School of Business is now accepting applications for the Women of Color Entrepreneurship Leadership Certificate Program for the 2023 cohort, the third cohort in program history. Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, this program offers a unique opportunity for women of color to hone their leadership skills and take their businesses to the next level.
“The Rubel School of Business is committed to empowering women of color entrepreneurs and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This program is a testament to this commitment, and the school is excited to see the impact it will have on the businesses and communities it serves,” said Dr. Patricia P. Carver, Program Director and Rubel School professor.
The program consists of five functional modules and one capstone experience, including the development of a business model canvas that showcases their value proposition.
The program is conducted online, with a duration of one four-hour module per month, and will be completed in six months. The class size is limited to ten women of color entrepreneurs who will be selected through a review process and an interview.
The program's modules include leadership, financial acuity, marketing, social media, communication and negotiation. Instructors will be a combination of women faculty from the Rubel School of Business, minority women entrepreneurs, and senior leaders from the business and non-profit communities. Participants will be assigned a mentor for the duration of the program and will form a virtual community to support each other.
Scholarships are available for all participants, and the program welcomes women of color from under-represented minority populations. Priority will be given to businesses located or serving communities in the Western and Southern neighborhoods of Louisville, Kentucky.
The 2022 cohort finished up the program with a Pitch Competition last fall, which served as an opportunity for participants to showcase the business knowledge they acquired during the program and how it applied to their business. The Rubel School awarded capital to the best three presentations.
“One of the highlights of the program was
the opportunity to network and collaborate with other successful women
entrepreneurs in the Louisville area,” said Daniela
Carrion, owner of Hispanic Professional Services LLC who earned second place in the Pitch Competition last year. “The sense of community and camaraderie was truly
inspiring. Overall, I cannot recommend this program enough. It provided me
with the tools, resources and confidence I need to succeed as a woman
entrepreneur.”
For more information and to apply, visit the program website. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level!