Participants at the Female Founder School engaging in collaborative learning.
Detroit’s new initiative, the Female Founder School, aims to empower women entrepreneurs through immersive learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Founded by Meagan Ward, this program offers tailored guidance to support women’s unique entrepreneurial journeys. With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, the school is set to make significant strides in providing essential resources for female founders in Detroit and beyond, addressing the critical need for support in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Detroit, the heart of innovation and entrepreneurship, is buzzing with excitement as a new venture kicks off to support and nurture aspiring female entrepreneurs. Meagan Ward, a passionate 34-year-old from the Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, has officially launched the Female Founder School, a game-changing program designed to empower women to thrive in business.
Meagan isn’t new to the entrepreneurial game. Her journey began at the young age of 22 when she started offering freelance website design and branding services. With a family history of entrepreneurship fueling her passion, it’s no surprise that she has taken her career to new heights as the founder and CEO of Femology, an organization dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs not just in Detroit but all the way to Japan.
Femology’s dedicated team of four members has been working diligently to create programs that help women navigate the often-challenging waters of funding and industry access. Recently, a partnership with Michigan Central has propelled Femology’s services even further, providing essential tools for entrepreneurs.
Back in October, Ward took another bold step by launching the Female Founder School. Thanks to the support from an innovative initiative backed by Ford Motor Company, the school aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for women at various stages in their entrepreneurial journey.
The inaugural cohort of the Female Founder School boasts 37 driven women who are in for a year-long immersive program. The curriculum is packed with workshops, strategic programming, and networking events tailored to equip female entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and connections. It’s important to note that the program is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each woman involved is encouraged to define their own success and goals.
Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Michigan Central’s director of talent development, points out the value of fostering inclusive innovation. Michigan Central is offering sponsorship for Femology’s headquarters and events while providing participants with resources that will help them thrive.
As the tech landscape evolves, the initiative strives to avoid duplicating underrepresented tech districts and instead focus on building a supportive and inclusive community for female founders.
One standout feature of the Female Founder School is the invaluable mentorship and one-on-one advisory sessions with industry leaders who offer insights across various fields. Participants receive tailored guidance on pitching, pricing models, and strategic planning that is specific to Detroit’s unique business environment.
The program also outlines two distinct pathways: “Start” for early-stage ideation and “Scale” for established entrepreneurs looking to expand their ventures. This flexible structure ensures that each participant can find the right fit for their needs.
The Female Founder School is not just a local initiative. It aims to reach women across the globe while committing to increasing resources and access for underrepresented backgrounds. Historically, women account for only a mere 3% of those receiving venture capital funding, as noted by a 2023 PitchBook analysis, demonstrating the pressing need for programs that support female entrepreneurs.
Excitement builds as the Female Founder School prepares for its upcoming “Demo Day” in June, where participants will showcase their work and connect with potential funders and partners. Femology is also set to host a golf class for women that focuses on using the sport as a medium for negotiating business deals.
Ward’s vision for Femology includes a collaborative model aimed at dismantling barriers for women in business. Moreover, the feedback-driven curriculum of the Female Founder School will evolve continuously based on participant surveys, ensuring it meets the ever-changing needs of women entrepreneurs.
On January 25, Femology proudly celebrated its grand opening at Newlab in Michigan Central, marking a new chapter in supporting and empowering women in the Detroit area.
With the launch of the Female Founder School, Detroit is paving the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future for female entrepreneurs!
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