Ford, 1863 Ventures Launch HERImpact DC Program
Ford Motor Company is teaming up with 1863 Ventures to create HERImpact DC, a new program from female social entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C. The program will provide participants with opportunities to learn and work with experts in the field as well as financial resources that will better empower them to get startups and small businesses off the ground.
“Ford Fund is thrilled to launch HERImpact DC in one of the nation’s top cities for inclusive, female-driven entrepreneurship,” said Yisel Cabrera, government and community relations manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “The coaching, mentoring, and resources through HERImpact DC will help women in the region succeed individually and strengthen their communities as well. We know that when an investment is made in a women’s future, her family and community also benefit, and the impact of that investment multiplies.”
Beginning on Nov. 5, HERImpact DC will launch a pitch competition that will ultimately award $50,000 in prizes and investments to female-operated social enterprises. There will also be a HERImpact DC Entrepreneurship Summit in the nation’s capital that will provide women with free access to workshops and educational opportunities.
According to Melissa Bradley, managing partner at 1863 Ventures, Washington, D.C. was the natural choice for the program given the result of a 2019 BEACON study, which found that the district is one of the 10 fastest-growing states for women-owned businesses.
“HERImpact DC will help women overcome some of the obstacles they face in securing capital and accessing capacity building resources, while helping to strengthen the communities where they live and work,” said Bradley.
More information on the pitch competition and summit can be found at www.herimpactdc.net.
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