Business Mentorship

Connecting women with experienced mentors to guide them in their entrepreneurial journeys and success.

1. Program Overview

• Mission Statement: To connect aspiring women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them succeed in their business endeavors.

• Program Goals:

  • Facilitate skill development and knowledge sharing.

  • Foster a supportive community of women entrepreneurs.

  • Promote networking and collaboration among participants.

2. Program Structure

• Mentorship Pairing:

  • Participants are matched based on their goals, industries, and expertise.

  • Initial assessment to determine mentee needs and mentor availability.

• Meeting Frequency:

  • Optional group workshops or networking events.

3. Participant Criteria

• Mentees:

  • Women entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business (e.g., startup phase).

  • Women looking to expand their business or develop new skills.

• Mentors:

  • Experienced women entrepreneurs or professionals with a background in relevant industries.

  • Individuals willing to share knowledge, offer support, and commit to the program.

4. Program Components

• Mentorship Sessions:

  • Goal setting and progress tracking.

  • Business strategy development (marketing, finance, operations).

  • Personal development (confidence building, leadership skills).

• Workshops and Training:

  • Skill-building workshops on topics like digital marketing, financial management, and business planning.

  • Guest speakers sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and insights.

• Networking Opportunities:

  • Group networking events to connect mentees with other entrepreneurs and mentors.

  • Collaborative projects or challenges to encourage teamwork.

5. Resources and Support

• Resource Library:

  • Access to tools, templates, and educational materials.

  • List of recommended books, podcasts, and online courses.

• Community Forum:

  • Online platform for mentees and mentors to share experiences, ask questions, and seek advice.

• Feedback Mechanism:

  • Regular check-ins to gather feedback from participants for program improvement.

6. Evaluation and Success Metrics

• Tracking Progress:

  • Regular assessments to evaluate mentee development and satisfaction.

  • Success stories and testimonials to highlight impact.

• Metrics for Success:

  • Number of businesses launched or expanded.

  • Growth in skills and confidence among mentees.

  • Increased networking and collaboration within the community.

7. Program Launch and Marketing

• Promotion Strategy:

  • Utilize social media, newsletters, and community events to promote the program.

  • Engage local businesses and organizations for partnerships and sponsorships.

• Application Process:

  • Clear application guidelines for mentees and mentors.

  • Informational sessions to explain program benefits and expectations.

Empowers women and survivors of GBV through entrepreneurship and skill development but also addresses their immediate nutritional needs through feeding initiatives.

Empowerment Programs

Skill Development

Offering workshops and training to enhance skills for economic independence and personal growth.

Objective

• To equip women, especially those affected by poverty and gender-based violence, with practical skills that foster economic independence and personal growth.

Target Audience

• Impoverished women and survivors of gender-based violence.

• Women seeking entrepreneurship and economic empowerment opportunities.

Key Components

1. Introduction & Orientation

   • Overview of the Step Up Ark initiative.

   • Goal-setting: Empowering participants to identify their personal and economic goals.

   • Introduction to available resources and support systems.

2. Skills Identification

   • Personal skill assessments.

   • Matching individual strengths with potential skill paths (entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, digital skills, etc.).

3. Core Workshops

   • Entrepreneurship Training:

     • Business plan development.

     • Financial literacy (budgeting, saving, investment).

     • Marketing and branding basics.

   • Vocational Skills:

     • Handcrafting, tailoring, or other high-demand trades.

     • Introduction to digital skills: Basic computer literacy, online entrepreneurship.

   • Workplace Readiness:

     • CV building and job application skills.

     • Interview preparation.

     • Professional etiquette and communication.

4. Life Skills Training

   • Time management and organizational skills.

   • Emotional intelligence and self-confidence workshops.

   • Conflict resolution and communication strategies.

5. Mentorship & Coaching

   • Pairing participants with experienced mentors.

   • Regular check-ins for progress tracking and feedback.

   • Peer-to-peer support groups for continued learning and encouragement.

6. Hands-On Experience

• Opportunities to apply learned skills through practical projects (e.g., business simulation, product development).

• Collaboration with local businesses for internships or apprenticeships.

  7. Entrepreneurship Incubation

  • Support in starting small businesses or cooperatives.

  • Access to micro-funding or seed capital for viable business ideas.

  • Guidance on registering businesses and navigating local markets.

  8. Graduation & Certification

  • Certification upon successful completion of training.

  • Post-graduation support: Job placement services or business start-up resources.

  • Continued access to mentorship and skill advancement resources.

Expected Outcomes

• Economic independence through entrepreneurship or job placement.

• Enhanced personal growth, resilience, and self-confidence.

• Long-term mentorship and community support.

Providing nutritious meals to women and children affected by poverty and gender-based violence.

Feeding Program

Objective

• To provide essential support to women and children affected by poverty and gender-based violence by addressing their nutritional, clothing, and educational needs.

Target Audience

• Women and children facing poverty and the impact of gender-based violence (GBV).

• Those in need of food, basic clothing, and educational resources (stationery).

Key Components

1. Nutritional Support

   • Meal Distribution:

     • Provision of balanced, nutritious meals to ensure women and children receive necessary daily sustenance.

     • Emphasis on healthy food options, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

2. Clothing Distribution

   • Seasonal Clothing Drives:

     • Regular donation and distribution of clothing to address seasonal changes and specific needs.

     • Provision of essential clothing items (e.g., shoes, jackets, undergarments) for women and children.

   • Dignity Packs:

     • Distribution of personal hygiene items alongside clothing to promote dignity and self-care.

3. Stationery & Educational Supplies

   • School Support for Children:

     • Provision of school stationery such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks to ensure children are equipped for school.

   • Adult Learning Materials:

     • Supply of notebooks, pens, and other materials to women participating in skills development workshops or educational programs.

4. Community Partnerships

   • Collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals for clothing donations and stationery drives.

   • Partnerships with schools to support children’s ongoing education through material provision.

5. Holistic Support Services

   • Integration with other Step Up Ark initiatives such as skills development, counseling, and mentorship.

   • Referrals to local shelters and health services when necessary for further support.

6. Sustainability Initiatives

   • Ongoing drives for clothing and stationery donations to maintain stock.

   • Encouragement of community involvement through volunteerism and contributions to the program.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved nutrition, well-being, and health for women and children.

• Enhanced dignity and confidence through access to appropriate clothing.

• Better preparedness for education, ensuring children have the resources to succeed academically.

Get In Touch

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