What is the program about?
Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS) is an intensive three-month, 60-hour course in business, workforce, life and leadership skills. ETS strongly emphasizes the fundamentals of micro-entrepreneurship, combined with the basics of financial literacy. ETS is offered twice during the program cycle (Fall and Spring), with a total participation of 50-60 women over the two cycles.
Students’ selection is based on an application, interview, and intake assessment, through which they must demonstrate need, a business idea, and the basic skills necessary for participation.
Students work with mentors who assist them with their coursework and in developing a comprehensive business plan. ETS culminates with graduates presenting their vetted business plans at a business pitch event, where they receive feedback from a panel of expert business judges and are eligible to apply for micro-loans from organizations collaborating with EWI.
Apply today to join Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS)
Classes are taught by EWI instructors, trained through our Train-the-Trainer Program on EWI’s entrepreneurship training methodology. Each student in the program is paired with a mentor, who helps the student to develop the business plan. Accomplished guest speakers, entrepreneurs, EWI alumni, and business coaches work one-on-one with our students to build their businesses and their confidence.
At the end of the program, graduates present their business plans in a business pitch contest and receive feedback.
Alumni have access year-round to EWI Support Services and participate with EWI in networking events, sales, and other opportunities to grow their businesses and develop strong leadership skills.
Examples of micro-businesses launched by our entrepreneur graduates include cosmetology and beauty, food and catering, cleaning services, wellness and nutrition businesses, fashion apparel and accessories, music businesses, performance programs, photography, multimedia (film, design, web), fine art, crafts, community and after-school programs, and more!
To learn more, share your business idea and to check if you are eligible and ready for the Entrepreneur Training for Success program, contact the Regional Program Manager, Alexandra Boycheck at [email protected].
Eligibility
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Training for Success program, you should…
- Have a viable, ready-to-market product or service or clearly defined business idea
- Have an entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm, and persistence
Requirements
Students are required to…
- Attend all classes and complete a business plan at the end of the program
- Have a good command of both written and spoken English
- Have basic computer skills for writing and online research
Cost and Scholarships
The total cost of the program is $1,850 per participant and is largely covered by donations and grants. Because of this, EWI is able to offer some full and partial scholarships based on need.
Scholarships are awarded to eligible students who meet the low-income requirements as defined below, who have a viable business idea, are committed to following EWI’s program, and have a strong motivation to succeed.
Low-Income Requirement
To demonstrate low-income eligibility, applicants must provide proof on income during the interview in the form of tax returns, pay stubs, unemployment benefits or other verifying documentation of their financial situation.
Income level is based on gross yearly pay. When determining the course fee, EWI staff will take into consideration family size as well as other information pertaining to financial hardship (medical bills, outstanding debt, etc.).
Scholarship amounts are determined based on a sliding scale fee structure using HUD guidelines for household income and size, in the table below. The amounts listed in the chart are the amount that an applicant would have to pay not covered by a scholarship.
Apply today to join Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS)
Current students: click here to pay your tuition and base fee.