Economic Empowerment for Women - Regional Business Incubators

EEW's New Business Incubator Model, started in January 2010, is a groundbreaking program that will take business development to new heights!

Candidates for Beit Shemesh Business Incubator

What?	EEW new Business Incubator will provide long term intensive business support and training to help women grow and develop their business in order to ensure a decent and livable income.
Why?	Opening a business is often the "easy" part of business management. Many of the women attest to the fact that opening up a business has meant more than just increasing their income, it has played a significant role in several dimensions in their lives -- personal, family and community. However, low income women who run a business often find themselves isolated and unable to expand their business. The majority of established businesses bring in a personal income of no more than $950 per month - which is not enough to support one's household without additional income.
Who?	Graduates of EEW Business of One's Own program and low-income women who have opened a micro enterprise and are committed to business development as her prime source of income. Participation: 50 women per Incubator
Where?	Ra'anana Rishon Le'zion Petach Tikva-Rosh Ha'ayin Acco Beit Shemesh - to open in June 2010 in cooperation with Mateh Yehuda Incubator created by Sompany
When?	Established in 2010 with support from the National Insurance Institute
How?	*Coordination: Each Business Incubator is headed by a regional project coordinator who is in touch with each woman on a personal basis. She monitors business development and helps women develop their own personal strategic personal business plan. Monthly Regional Forum:* A monthly three-hour lecture or workshop on advanced business training topics that offer an excellent arena for regional networking and peer sharing. *Small Group Business Consultations: Facilitated by a professional business consultant. Small groups meet for 6 three-hour sessions to help women implement their business plan through intensive mentoring and monitoring of their progress. Mini Business Training Course:* A FastTrac mini-business training course (10-15 sessions) to women from the community whom did not receive prior business training from EEW. *Opening Doors* to sales opportunities and potential investors *Savings for the Future:* A 10-session financial education course and matched savings program. *Access to Loans* - High-priority for receiving small business loans as needed.

EEW would like to specially thank the National Insurance Institute's Division of Service Development Funds- Fund for
Demonstration Projects for making this program possible.