Apply now for the Cherie Blair Foundation Mentorship Programme

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women was established in 2008, with the mission of empowering women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging economies. Its vision is a world where women have equal opportunities to establish and grow businesses, resulting in a brighter future for women and their communities. The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women supports women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging markets to access the skills, technology, networks and financial services they need to become successful small and growing business owners, contribute to their economies and have a stronger voice in their societies. To date, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women has reached over 136,000 women in more than 90 countries.

The Cherie Blair Foundation is calling for applications for the next year-long mentorship programme starting in May 2017. Silicon Cape is looking to nominate 15 women lead tech businesses to participate on this programme. If you are running or about to launch your tech business and can commit 2 hours per month to engage with your mentor please complete this motivation form before 25 March 2017 (nominations close on 27 March):

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More on the Programme & Criteria:

The programme:

Offers you an opportunity to work with an accomplished mentor and make progress on your business and professional development goalsIncludes one-on-one meetings with a dedicated mentor for at least two hours a month
Is conducted online. You must be able to use Skype and Google Hangouts to join the programme. You can also discuss using Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or other online tools with your mentor and see if s/he is happy to use them
Mentors are not business advisors or consultants, but rather thought partners and sounding boards. Your mentor will likely be a professional with interest and experience in the areas that you want to focus on. They may not be from your same sector or an entrepreneur, but will be a great source of support, encouragement and motivationRequires a commitment to meeting with your mentor at least two hours every month, responding promptly to messages, setting goals for your work together and sending weekly email updates to your mentor
Is suitable for women entrepreneurs at all stages and business sizes. Some women have 10+ employees and have been in business for decades, while others run smaller operations and are just getting startedFocuses on short- and long-term objectives that you agree together with your mentor
Offers professional development and training opportunitiesGrants membership in a vibrant, global community where you can network with businesspeople
Gives you access to a private online platform and resource centre
Provides you with support from the Foundation’s team and Mentoring Women in Business CommunityDoes not offer funding, grants or loans
Requires that you complete four feedback questionnaires during the programme
Honours participants who have done all of their feedback forms with a special title, certificate from Cherie Blair, involvement in local events and more

Are you:

Able to meet with a mentor online at least two hours each month for one full year? This is a basic requirement. In addition, you will want to set aside extra time to send email updates to your mentor and take advantage of the online forums, e-library and monthly webinars.
Able to access the internet and a computer twice every week? This could be at an internet café or computer centre, but regular internet access is needed to hold meetings online and communicate with your mentor using email in between meetings.
Able to use Skype and Google Hangouts?Running your own business or about to launch your own business in the next 3 months?
A woman who is from – and living in – a developing or emerging country?Nominated by a programme partner?
Proficient in both spoken and written English (at least at the intermediate level)?Able to commit for a minimum of 12 months, starting in May?
Able to complete feedback questionnaires? If selected, you will be required to complete 4 surveys during the programme.