Bank of America/Vital Voices Global Ambassadors Program 2020 for Women Entrepreneurs (Fully-funded to New York, USA)

The Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is designed for women entrepreneurs – providing mentorship, training and a network of support to help grow your business and your personal development.  The program includes one-on-one mentoring sessions and strategic workshops focused on building organizational management, financial acumen and leadership skills.

Application Deadline: 28th February 2020

Eligible Countries: International

To Be Taken At (Country): New York, USA

About the Award: The program is a partnership between Vital Voices, a leading NGO in women’s leadership and development and Bank of America, based on a shared belief in the need to invest in women who are creating economic and social progress around the world.

Type: Entrepreneurship

Eligibility: 

• A woman entrepreneur or social entrepreneur who owns a majority stake in a qualifying business / organization, is the key decision maker in the business / organization and manages it on a day-to-day basis
• The applicant must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a professional setting
• The applicant must have worked in her existing business / organization for a minimum of 5 years
• Proficient in English
• Demonstrate a commitment to the core principles of the “Vital Voices’ Leadership Model” –   Innovative, collaborative, and driven by a clear sense of mission; engaged in their communities and are committed to advancing the status of women and girls.
• Demonstrate high-potential for leadership and a desire to take on leadership roles both within and outside of their business / organization

Please note, very important – if you are involved in more than one business / organization, the above criteria must apply to the business / organization that you would like to focus on during this mentorship opportunity

Entry Criteria:

• For profit or social entrepreneur of a legally registered business / organization+ (for this program, a social enterprise is a business / organization with a social mission and an earned revenue stream) that is engaged in providing solutions to climate change and environmental sustainability.
• Should have a minimum annual revenue of at least US$ 150,000 and a maximum annual revenue of US$ 10 million

Not eligible for this program:

• Non-profit or Non-Governmental organization (NGO’s)
• Start-up or early stage businesses

Selection Criteria: 

• 10 applicants will be chosen to participate and notified by mid to late March 2020
• Applications will be assessed to determine participants based on a variety of factors, including the following considerations:
  • Ability to commit to the entire week of in-person program,  training, mentorship  and pre-event webinars – no exceptions
  • Submitted Business / Strategic Plan and identified needs for development
  • Alignment with the Vital Voices Leadership model
  • Willingness to accept feedback and coaching from mentors
  • Ability to implement change within her business/organization
  • Anticipated impact on business or organization based on application
  • Willingness to help shape the community dialogue about women’s advancement in their region, and wield the influence necessary to do so.

Number of Awards: 10

Value of Award: All travel, meals and accommodation costs for mentees participating in this program are covered in full by the Global Ambassadors Program

• One week in-person training program in New York City, including:
  • Strategic Planning for Business Growth
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Communications workshops including Branding, Social & Digital Media, Public Speaking and Executive Presence
  • Participation in Bank of America’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs LIVE event
• A 1:1 mentoring relationship with an established woman executive.  Previous mentors include: Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.; Dr. Sachiko Kuno, President and CEO, S&R Foundation; Luz Maria de la Mora, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy; Manal Zraiq, General Director, Massar International; Ana Birchall, Deputy Prime Minister of Romania; Norah Casey, Broadcaster, Author, Publisher.
• Inclusion in the Vital Voices network of more than 16,000 women from 181 countries and territories around the world.
• Opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with women from around the globe.
• Opportunities for your business/organization to be profiled via digital channels, social media and in earned media coverage.
• On-going support and mentorship, specific to your needs,  through the Global Ambassadors Program for 1+ year

Duration of Award: 4^th to 8^th May 2020

How to Apply: Applicants are required to:

• Complete and submit this online Application Questionnaire (Link below)
• Submit a two-minute video  (described in the last section of this application)

Visit the Program Webpage for Details