Babson Black Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program

Babson College’s Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL) is pleased to offer the Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (BWEL) program, an action tank designed by and for Black women entrepreneurial leaders and allies to provide an experience and the resources to propel their businesses and professional growth forward.

The program will provide participants with practical insights and tools to navigate procurement and other untapped opportunities for growth.

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May 7, 2024, 12–1 p.m. ET

Information Session - BWEL Cohort #6

Online—Registration Required

May 15, 2024, 3–4 p.m. ET

Information Session - BWEL Cohort #6

Online—Registration Required

6 weeks of live online business curriculum with weekly content sessions followed by a 3.5-day in-person program closing in Atlanta, GA.
A cohort of Black women entrepreneurs and allies whose businesses have a minimum of $150k in revenue and are committed to scaling their ventures
Guidance from accomplished faculty and top industry leaders, with expertise in growth and scaling, on key areas designed specifically to equip and inspire Black Women business leaders and allies to leap to the next level
Leading-edge content on procurement, financing, and optimizing your business
Insight from seasoned procurement professionals
Legal advice from lawyers
Access to BWEL’s Global Alumnae Network

BWEL is an industry-agnostic program designed for Black women entrepreneurs and allies who are committed to scaling their ventures. We consider you a good fit for the program if you:

Are a founder or co-founder
Currently reside in the United States
Are 21 years of age or older
Have been in business for at least 2 years and are generating a minimum of $150k in annual revenue
Are interested in learning more about the various ways to find business growth including procurement, financing, and optimizing your business
Are looking to develop a robust peer community and network of advisors
Are able to attend all virtual sessions and an in-person 3.5-day closing event in Atlanta, GA. Please view our Program Schedule

Sisterhood: Experience the extraordinary power of the community by connecting with other black women entrepreneurs and allies
Babson’s World-Renowned Pedagogy: Expand your revenue opportunity by following a successful entrepreneurial framework
Global Network
Expert Mentoring and Coaching: Accelerate your entrepreneurial growth by learning from top industry experts and maximize your personal effectiveness by collaborating with Business Success Coaches
BWEL’s Resource Guide
Blended Learning

The tuition for the BWEL program is valued at $10,000 per participant; however, we have secured sponsors to offset this cost. We will offer accepted participants a full scholarship that includes:

Full tuition for the BWEL program
Hotel accommodations during our 3.5-day residency in Atlanta, GA from October 17–20.

All participants will be responsible for:

Covering the cost of their airfare to and from the 3.5-day residency in Atlanta, GA from October 17–20.

Why We Started This Program

The disparity between minority and non-minority women is increasing. In 2019, minority-owned businesses averaged $65,800 in revenue, compared to non-minority Women-owned businesses which averaged $218,800. The disparity has an enormous effect on the U.S. economy. Four million new jobs and $981 billion in revenue would be added if the average revenue of minority women-owned firms matched that of white women-owned businesses.

Black women-owned businesses made up the highest rate of growth after non-minority women. However, the number of new job creation and revenue was the lowest amount of all women-owned businesses. In 2019, the average revenue for Black women-owned businesses was $24,000.

With increasing awareness of the unique challenges Black women face with being an entrepreneur, BWEL was created with the goal of providing entrepreneurial leadership education, coaching, a global network, a resource business guide, and a peer community.

“My experience as a participant in the BWEL program has been thought-provoking, cumbersome, but most of all EFFECTIVE. As in any business, and especially in entrepreneurship, the ebbs and flows can leave an everlasting effect on your business disposition. Through the relationships I built and facilitators I engaged with, I can truly say the late nights were all worth it! I can truly say we are bonded by sisterhood.

Sisterhood is like a pineapple. It is rich in vitamins, boosts your immune system and can help build strong bones. Just like a pineapple, we are protected by the rigid outer shell. At times we can be sweet, tart, but always firm.

Like a pineapple, the bond of sisterhood is good for your health. The essence of sisterhood is to connect with women you support, defend and help grow!”

Tiffany Burnette

Cool Breezes, LLC