Application Deadline:December 15, 2020

producing wider social Vital Voices GROW Fellowship (VV GROW) is a leading global accelerator program for women owners of small and medium sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, leadership development, technical assistance, and access to networks. Through online and in-person trainings, Fellows focus on strategy and long-term business value, and put those concepts to work with action-oriented strategic plans to grow their businesses. They amplify their role as leaders in their businesses and communities by creating jobs, stimulating long-term economic growth and benefits.

Through the program, participants gain knowledge and skills in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, sales, strategic networking, leadership, human resources and communications. Fellows get access to valuable technical assistance and become a part of a supportive global network of women business owners, as well as the Vital Voices network.

Benefits

1. Virtual Learning: Through a series of webinars, assignments, one-on-one and small group calls, fellows learn
   
   about core topics and assess their businesses in order to develop and implement a strategic plan for growth.
   
   Throughout the 12 months of virtual learning, fellows gain skills and knowledge to strengthen business
   
   operations, identify and prepare for opportunities for growth and successfully achieve long-term sustainable
   
   growth.

2. Virtual Convening: Fellows participate in a 3-day online conference focused on leadership and networking.
   
   Through dynamic interactive sessions, fellows connect virtually with each other, program partners, Vital Voices
   
   trainers and staff, strengthening their Vital Voices global network.
3. Growth Services and Support: During the year, fellows learn about various topics and resources that are critical
   
   to achieving their business growth goals. They are connected to opportunities and individualized growth services
   
   and support provided by Vital Voices and our partners

Requirements

Women entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs who:

• Own a qualifying business that…

o Have been operating this business for at least 3 years

o Employs at least 3 full time staff including the applicant (or the equivalent of 3 full time staff in part time

staff)

o Generates at least US $40,000 in annual sales

• Are proficient in spoken and written English

• Have demonstrated leadership, key decision-making authority within their business and manage the business on

an ongoing basis

• Have a commitment toward making positive social impact and an interest in expanding their social impact

• If you are involved in more than one business, the above criteria must apply to the business that you would like

to focus on during the fellowship

Interested applicants:

• Are enthusiastic about participating in a one-year business accelerator program

• Are motivated to learn new skills and make changes to grow their business

• Have the authority to make critical decisions in their business

• Are willing to commit to working with Vital Voices to track their business growth during the program and up to

3 years afterwards by being responsive and participating in data collection activities including online surveys and

phone calls

• Are interested in collaborating and supporting the other women in their cohort

Commitment

• There is a participation fee of US $1,500. Note: The fee can be paid in installments on a schedule provided by Vital
  
  Voices.

Scholarships

A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. Details will be provided in the notifications of

acceptance into the program. If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please note that within the

application.

Fellows commit to:

• Dedicate 2-7 hours per week (January – December 2021) for webinars, homework assignments and phone calls

• Attend the entire 3-day virtual convening in summer 2021 (date TBD)

• Submit surveys and participate in phone calls with Vital Voices

Benefits



The VV GROW Fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides customized business skills training and support

valued at over US $20,000 per participant. Through the Fellowship, participants will:

• Increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in strategic planning, financial management, marketing & sales,

strategic networking, leadership, human resources, communications and other business related topics

• Receive guidance, training and support from global expert business trainers and coaches

• Develop valuable relationships with a group of women business leaders from around the world (VV GROW

Cohort 8)

• Participate in a transformative 3-day virtual convening

• Receive referral(s) to business support services and other growth opportunities

• Receive a certificate of program completion

• Become a member of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network upon graduation

by toju