Supporting women entrepreneurs

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Anabel Douglas
7 years ago
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1 Supporting women entrepreneurs We invest in women

2 Our Vision Our vision is of a world where women have equal access to the tools and support needed to establish and grow successful businesses. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we are building a brighter future for them, and their families, for communities and economies. Giving women the chance to become financially independent and make the most of their talents is the key to higher living standards and stronger economies. Cherie Blair Founder

3 About us We invest in women entrepreneurs so they can build and expand their businesses - and in doing so benefit not only themselves but also their families and communities. Cherie Blair founded the charity to support women around the world to successfully generate their own income and by doing so strengthen their economies. Based in London with a global reach, the Foundation is run by a dedicated team and overseen by a Board of Trustees. We work in partnership with local organisations in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East where women have made strides in education and have the potential to succeed in business but lack the necessary support. Relying on local knowledge and resources, we develop joint projects so that women with potential can become successful self-sustaining entrepreneurs in the long term.

4 1Capacity development Is the engine of human development. We provide tailor-made programmes offering integrated business support to meet the specific needs of women entrepreneurs around the world. Our work With a combination of global programmes and country specific projects, we provide women entrepreneurs around the world with four key areas of business support.

5 Women around the world find it difficult to access skills training, support networks, technology and finance. The Foundation provides the support they are missing. 2Networks Are essential to ensure sustainable support. We provide women with access to wider networks through workshops, events and our global e-mentoring programme. 3Access to technology Is vital for women entrepreneurs and a cost-effective tool for development. We use mobile phone technology to help women access new markets, financial services and information. 4Access to finance Is fundamental for business growth. We link our entrepreneurs with appropriate financial institutions that don t shy away from offering women access to credit beyond micro-finance.

6 Why women entrepreneurs? When men and women work together, businesses, economies and societies prosper. Yet women face enormous barriers to success. The Foundation is a response to these challenges. Investing in women isn t just good ethics, it s sound economics. Many women in developing countries have the ability to contribute to their economies but aren t given the chance. The world is missing out on a huge pool of talent. Women can help fill the gap in the economy known as the missing middle - in other words, small and medium-sized businesses. We provide support to women so they can expand their businesses and create employment opportunities. Women tend to invest 90% of their income back into their families, so when we invest in women, everyone gains.

7 Connect with us We work with a broad range of organisations and individuals who share our aims and generously give their time and resources to our cause. We welcome contributions to help us reach more women, and in turn their families and communities. Our aims cannot be achieved by us alone. We are part of a global network of organisations coordinating our efforts to empower women and end poverty. Together we can make a difference. For more information, contact us: enquiries@cherieblairfoundation.org

8 Cherie Blair Foundation for Women PO Box 60519, London, W2 7JU Registered Charity No (0)

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