Tear down the inequities that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from advancing — and drive economic empowerment within your community.

 

About the Certificate


Be one of 10 ACE entrepreneurs selected to receive a scholarship for a free six-month Executive Education program to develop the functional and leadership skills needed to start and sustain your business. Invest in your community and promote a more inclusive economy through entrepreneurship. The program culminates in a pitch competition that awards up to $3,000 in additional funding to the top three winners.

 

ACE Certificate Modules

How do entrepreneurs maximize their self-efficacy? Learn tips and techniques on understanding your leadership style, how to lead with your strengths, and influence others in your network.

Learn specific negotiation strategies and tools that will complement your conflict-resolution skills with customers.

 

Through real-world examples and application to actual banking statements, enhance your understanding of concepts such as Net Present Value, Return on Investment, and other relevant financial valuation techniques to gain financial acuity.

A picture is worth a thousand words! Learn how to dramatically enhance the visual and graphic representation of your venture online and interpret data presented to you for marketing, social media, and sales.

Learn how to strategically develop a business model that will help you identify your unique value proposition (why customers will want your product or service), how you plan to generate income, and the key resources you will need to grow your venture.

Hone the art of communicating by refining your presentation skills and preparing a pitch to showcase your value proposition and gain buy-in from investors and funding sources.

Participants who have completed the entire certificate program will have the opportunity to pitch their business models and value propositions to a panel of judges at a pitch competition and will receive their certificates of completion at graduation.

Program Criteria

While the program is open to all, SFBU invites applicants who identify as first time female founders from historically marginalized communities. Additionally, the business should be in its first 18 months of operation or less to be considered. All applicants will be asked to submit a purpose statement outlining their vision for their start-up and how their venture will contribute to advancing historically underrepresented communities. The purpose statement must outline specific barriers, obstacles, and opportunities the applicant faces and has faced and explains how the ACE program will support their vision. Examples could include:

Businesses that reinvest in their communities, leading to improved infrastructure, education, or services.
An entrepreneur from historically underrepresented groups focused on addressing systemic inequities and/or promoting a more inclusive economy.
Ventures focused on preserving and promoting cultural heritage and traditions through cultural products and/or services.
A business that promotes job creation within their community, contributing to lower unemployment rates and more stable local economies.

For more information

Contact Heather Herrera, Ph.D., Vice President of Strategy and Innovation

heather.herrera@sfbu.edu

 

 

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