Eligibility

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for participating in this program?

A: To be accepted in the program you need to meet ALL these three main criteria:

1. An immigrant adult woman from Africa
2. Have been in the US within the last 0 to 3 years
3. Be authorized to work in the US

Q: Why is the work authorization important or necessary?

A: Work authorization is a critical criterion for participation in our program, and for good reason. First and foremost, being authorized to work in the United States is a legal requirement that ensures individuals have the right to engage in employment, including entrepreneurship, within the country's regulatory framework.

Moreover, entrepreneurship is indeed a form of work. By being authorized to work, immigrants have the vital opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to the economic landscape of their new communities. This authorization enables them to establish, operate, and grow their businesses, leading to economic self-sufficiency and the creation of opportunities for both themselves and others.

Additionally, having work authorization opens doors to essential resources and opportunities, such as access to business loans, financial assistance – including grants, mentorship programs, and networking avenues that are fundamental to the success of their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Ultimately, work authorization not only legitimizes immigrants’ entrepreneurial pursuits but also fosters their integration into the economic fabric of the United States, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and become active contributors to the communities they now call home.

Q: What if I applied for my authorization to work in the US and have not yet received it?

A: You’re welcome to apply if you have already applied and you expect to receive your work authorization no more than 2 weeks before the end of our program.  For the current program, you need to have your work authorization by August 15th, 2024.

Q: Why do you only want participants who have been in the US within the last 0 to 3 years?

A: We are specifically targeting women who have arrived in the United States within the last 0 to 3 years for a couple of important reasons. Firstly, we recognize that many of these women were likely entrepreneurs in their native countries, or possessed a strong desire to pursue entrepreneurship, but may not have had the opportunity to fully explore or realize their aspirations upon arriving in the United States.

Secondly, we understand that traditional workforce development pathways may not always be readily accessible or suitable for every immigrant woman, particularly those who may not have had the opportunity for traditional education. In these cases, entrepreneurship can serve as a viable and lucrative option, providing a pathway to economic independence and empowerment.

As the founder of Diaspora Women Arise and an immigrant herself, Teresa Dangwa states, “I intimately understand the value and potential impact of entrepreneurship within immigrant communities. Reflecting on my own journey, I recognize that having the option of entrepreneurship, within the first 3 years of arrival, as a viable pathway to economic independence would have been immensely valuable.”

By offering this opportunity to women who are newly arrived, we aim to present entrepreneurship as a compelling and viable option to consider, empowering them to become active contributors to the American economic fabric from the outset of their journey in this new country. We hope to provide them with the resources, support, and confidence to explore entrepreneurial opportunities before settling into a potentially lengthy period without fully realizing their potential as entrepreneurs in their new environment.

Q: Can other immigrant women who are not from Africa participate?

A: Absolutely, our entrepreneurship program primarily focuses on empowering women from African backgrounds. We believe in the power of cultural relevance and tailor our teaching from an African perspective, leveraging cultural insights and values to support and enhance the entrepreneurial journeys of African women.

At the same time, we are open to and encourage participation from immigrant women from other backgrounds as well. While our teachings are rooted in an African cultural perspective, we recognize the importance of inclusivity and understanding the unique cultural context of all participants. Therefore, for women from other cultural backgrounds, such as those from Pakistan, we have access to cultural resources and support systems tailored to their specific cultural needs.

Our goal is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where women from diverse cultural backgrounds can come together, learn from each other, and be empowered through entrepreneurship, drawing upon their unique cultural strengths and experiences.

By embracing diversity and inclusivity, we strive to create a rich and supportive learning environment that respects and celebrates the cultural diversity of all participants, ensuring that each woman can access the resources and guidance she needs to thrive as an entrepreneur, regardless of her cultural background.

Application Process

Q: How do I apply to participate in the DWA Entrepreneurship Program?

A: You can apply via this link, www.thediasporawomen.org/entrepreneurship

Q: What is the deadline for the current program?

A: The deadline for application submission for the current program is Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. It's important to note that once we have reached our cohort limit of 20 participants, subsequent applicants will be placed on a waiting list for future consideration.

Q: Do you have a limit on the number of participants in the program or are participant spots unlimited?

A: We understand the interest and enthusiasm surrounding our program, and while we would love to accommodate as many participants as possible, we have chosen to limit the number of spots available for each cohort. This deliberate decision allows us to deliver a high-quality, personalized experience to every participant.

The limited spots enable us to provide tailored, in-depth feedback during classes and when reviewing submitted homework, ensuring that each participant receives individualized attention and support. This approach is instrumental in creating a supportive and engaging environment for our participants, facilitating impactful learning and growth.

To secure a position in the program, we encourage prospective participants to submit their applications early. By doing so, individuals can reserve their spot among the first 20 applicants, contributing to a cohesive and interactive cohort experience.

By maintaining a limited number of spots, we aim to offer an enriching and impactful program that prioritizes the individual growth and success of each participant. This allows us to provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources to empower participants as they pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

About the Program

Q: How long is the program/What is the time commitment for the entire program

A: DWA Entrepreneurship Program is a 12-week commitment.

Q: How often does the class meet over the 12-week program?

A: The class meets every Saturday from 9am – 1pm EST.

Q: What is the outline of the program?

A: Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive and empowering experience for participants as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey. The outline includes elements such as specialized training, personalized coaching, and access to vital resources aimed at equipping women with the skills and knowledge to thrive independently as entrepreneurs.

In addition to foundational entrepreneurial training, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of business development by learning how to write a business plan. This essential skill will enable them to articulate their business vision, map out strategic goals, and effectively communicate their ideas to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Furthermore, as part of our commitment to cultivating high-impact entrepreneurship, our program offers the opportunity for participants to engage in a high-stakes business pitch competition. This competition provides a platform for participants to showcase their innovative business concepts, refine their presentation skills, and vie for potential investment and support.

It's important to note that while we have a general outline in place, with specific modules and learning milestones, Diaspora Women Arise reserves the right to adapt and adjust the program outline to ensure it best serves the needs and aspirations of our participants. This flexibility allows us to tailor the program content, coaching, and resources to accommodate the diverse experiences, strengths, and challenges that each participant brings to the program.

By maintaining the flexibility to refine the program outline, we can ensure that the learning experience remains responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of our participants, ultimately providing them with the most impactful and valuable entrepreneurial education and support.

Q: What if I am unable to commit to all 12 weeks of the program?

A: We completely understand that life is full of unforeseen commitments and priorities that may pull us in different directions. However, we firmly believe that committing to the full 12-week program, which involves dedicating 4 hours every Saturday, is essential for participants to fully immerse themselves in the interactive and enriching experience we offer.

The 12-week timeframe is intentionally structured to provide participants with a comprehensive and progressive learning journey. It allows for in-depth skill development, relationship building, and the opportunity to implement and refine entrepreneurial concepts.

We view this commitment as a meaningful investment in oneself and in the pursuit of empowerment. It also serves as a valuable measure of one's dedication to the journey of entrepreneurship – a commitment that can potentially shape a lifetime and leave a legacy for future generations.

For those who find that the timing of the current offering is not aligned with their current circumstances, we encourage them to check in with us for future program offerings. We are committed to creating opportunities for interested individuals to engage with our program in a way that best suits their schedules.

By prioritizing the full 12-week experience, participants are positioning themselves to derive the fullest benefit from the program, build impactful relationships, and chart their course towards entrepreneurial success.