FoundHERs
Empowering Harvard’s Female Founders
A small group 10-week online program for female founders within the HarvardAE community, designed to facilitate more intimate and focused networking, professional development, and support. The small group, peer-to-peer group format offers topic-driven discussion to help members address their challenges and opportunities with input and advice from other group members.
Coming Summer 2024
Why there’s a need
Women founders often face unique challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To address these needs, HarvardAE has designed the FoundHERs program, which covers a wide range of topics, from practical business skills to personal development and networking opportunities.
Mentorship: Pair each participant with a mentor who has expertise in their field of interest providing personalized guidance, feedback, and support throughout the 10-week program.
Live Case Studies: Participants can work on their real-life business challenges, with peers sharing their own experiences and insights for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Investor Pitch Feedback Event: Culminate the program with an investor pitch feedback event where participants can present their startups to a panel of potential investors and venture capitalists — providing a real-world pitching experience that can also open the door to funding opportunities.
Alumni Network Access: FoundHERs program alumni network will create a community of support where members can share resources, opportunities, and advice long after the program ends.
Foundhers: SAMPLE 10-Week Program
Week 1: Kickoff and Building Confidence
Theme: Empowering Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Building Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Sharing Stories of Resilience and Empowerment
Strategies for Building Self-Confidence as a Female Entrepreneur.
Week 2: Leadership and Building Inclusive Teams
Theme: Inclusive Leadership for Modern Entrepreneurs
Creating and Leading Inclusive Teams
Overcoming Leadership Challenges as Women
Sharing experiences and strategies for fostering inclusivity.
Week 3: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Market Launch
Theme: Overcoming Market Entry Challenges for Female Founders
Tailored Strategies for Successful Market Entry
Sharing Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Building Your Unique Market Entry Story
Week 4: Funding Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs
Theme: Navigating the Funding Landscape
Accessing Venture Capital and Grants for Women
Pitch Practice with a Focus on Addressing Gender Bias
Experiences and advice on overcoming barriers to funding.
Week 5: Branding and Marketing for Female-Founded Startups
Theme: Authentic Branding and Marketing
Building a Relatable and Empowering Brand
Marketing Strategies for Female-Targeted Markets
Leveraging personal stories and authenticity in branding.
Week 6: Networking and Strategic Partnerships
Theme: Expanding Your Business Network
Effective Networking and Building Strategic Partnerships
Speed Networking Session
Strategies for expanding your network and finding mentors.
Week 7: Leveraging Technology and Digital Tools
Theme: Digital Transformation for Your Business
Utilizing Digital Tools and E-commerce for Growth
Tech Tools Showcase and Recommendations
Sharing successes and challenges with digital transformation.
Week 8: Intellectual Property and Legal Rights
Theme: Protecting Your Innovations
Intellectual Property Rights and Legal Considerations for Startups
Legal Clinic with Expert Q&A
Navigating Legal Challenges Specific to Female Entrepreneurs.
Week 9: Work-Life Integration and Self-Care
Theme: Achieving Balance and Wellness
Strategies for Work-Life Integration and Self-Care
Wellness and Self-Care Practices
Sharing personal strategies for managing stress and maintaining wellness.
Week 10: Growth Planning and Next Steps
Theme: Looking Ahead with Confidence
Developing a Growth Mindset and Planning for Scale
Setting Goals and Accountability Structures
Committing to future growth and community support
Pitch Feedback
