She Entrepreneurs

Overview

She Entrepreneurs is a leadership programme for highly motivated women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa region who are building successful and sustainable businesses with the potential to make a difference in their societies. In the past nine years that the programme has been running, many successful entrepreneurs received support that helped them expand.

She Entrepreneurs is a practical and hands-on leadership training based on real business experiences, collaborative learning and participant-centric design. The programme provides tangible tools, insights and connections for participants who want to grow their businesses and develop as entrepreneurs, as well as leaders.

The programme runs over six months with interactive online seminars and regular mentor support followed by one on-site meeting in Stockholm in October 2021.*

If you are ready to take your business to the next level and want to become part of a strong network of like-minded women who can support and inspire you on your journey – then She Entrepreneurs is the programme for you.

She Entrepreneurs will give you:

• The opportunity to plan and strategise for your business in an inspiring and collaborative learning environment.
• Regular support and input through sessions with expert mentors on an individual level as well as through group coaching.
• Increased self-awareness as a leader and deepened understanding of how to build effective and motivated teams, while also taking care of your own work-life balance and long-term wellbeing.
• Increased knowledge on topics such as business development, communication, business innovation, crisis management, growing through partnerships, finance and funding.
• New perspectives on responsible and sustainable business practices from a social and an environmental perspective, as well as tangible tools for measuring your value creation.
• A strong and active community of likeminded women.

*The on-site meeting will take place if the global pandemic situation allows, and of course with all necessary precautions.

Can I apply?

You are welcome to submit your application if you are a woman entrepreneur between the age of 22 and 45 (born 1975 – 1999) with a business that:

• is already operational and ready to expand;
• has the potential to develop a financially sustainable business model, generate a positive social impact, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals;
• is based in Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine or Tunisia.

In addition, you should:

• have a proficient command of both written and spoken English;
• be willing to pay it forward by contributing at least two hours of pro bono mentorship to a junior entrepreneur in your home country during the programme.

Please note that we are not able to make any exceptions to the eligibility requirements.

Programme Timeline

She Entrepreneurs runs for six months and consists of interactive online workshops, regular mentor support, and one on-site meeting in Sweden. The on-site meeting will be held for 10 days in Stockholm in October – if the global pandemic situation allows, and of course with all necessary precautions.

• • Online training (22 April – 2 July 2021)
    The training is set up with a highly practical approach that allows you to apply learnings and insights directly to your business. Every second week, online workshop are organized on different topics that help you grow your turnover and operations, build a resilient leadership and team, and increase your social or environmental contribution. The workshops are led by experienced entrepreneurs and trainers. Joint workshops and smaller learning groups give plenty of opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs in similar situations and to make new connections.

• • The training kicks off with a one-hour introduction meeting on 13 April, followed by two half-day sessions 22–23 April. The five seminars that follow are typically held every second week during 1.5 – 2 hours on Friday mornings, plus 1 hour of individual preparations.

• • Online mentorship (April–September)
    At the start of the programme, you are matched with an individual mentor that will support you throughout the programme. You can also sign up for optional group mentoring sessions with thematic experts on topics that are requested among the participants.

• • On-site meeting in Stockholm (11–20 October 2021) *
    The on-site meeting will be held in the city of Stockholm – one of Europe’s leading hubs for entrepreneurs. The focus of the meeting will be to strengthen and expand the network. You will continue to build on your entrepreneurial and leadership skills through workshops, seminars and meetings with mentors, experts and representatives of the Stockholm entrepreneurial ecosystem. On the final day, you will present your business to an advisory board consisting of senior entrepreneurs and business advisors.

Costs covered and arranged by Swedish Institute

• Training and content
• Accommodation, food and domestic transport during the programme in Stockholm
• Flight tickets to and from on-site meeting in Stockholm
• Insurance covering acute illness and accident when in Sweden
• Visa expenses exceeding 500 SEK (approx USD 60)

Costs covered and arranged by you

• Domestic travel/airport transfer in your home country
• Visa expenses below 500 SEK (approx USD 60)

* The on-site meeting will take place if the global pandemic situation allows, and of course with all necessary precautions.

How to apply

Apply – DATE: 6 JAN 2021 – 2 FEB 2021

Evaluation of applications – DATE: 3 FEB 2021 – 23 FEB 2021

Interviews – DATE: 8 MAR 2021 – 19 MAR 2021

Admission – DATE: 24 MAR 2021

Application process

Only applicants who have submitted a complete application will be considered for the programme. These are the steps in the application process:

• Download and fill out the She Entrepreneurs 2021 Application form (For an accessibility-supported version of She Entrepreneurs 2021 Application Form click here)
• Go to the application portal
• Upload the completed application form in English, including your contact details and the contact details of one reference person
• Upload an updated CV in English
• Upload a photo (not compulsory).