Workforce Innovation – Page 2

3Apr2024

Bizzell’s XcelHERate Program Promotes Women Entrepreneurship

By Editorial Staff

In reflecting on the contributions of women to the work we do at Bizzell, we are highlighting the work of our global initiatives to bring equity and innovation to the small business industry. In the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative has been established to change the game for women-owned businesses. The Bizzell-SNDBX XcelHERate Entrepreneurship Challenge (XcelHERate) is poised to uplift and celebrate the entrepreneurial prowess of women, providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive in the business world and positively impact their communities.

According to Forbes, women entrepreneurs encounter numerous challenges while navigating the business landscape^[1]8 Major Challenges Women Face In Business https://www.forbes.com/sites/margueritacheng/2018/10/31/8-major-challenges-women-face-in-business/?sh=11d89c816461. One major challenge is the limited access to funding, with many women-owned businesses struggling to secure financial support due to gender biases and if they are minority business owners, also facing racial barriers.

Balancing responsibilities between business and family life often poses a significant challenge in the lives of successful women entrepreneurs, as women often find themselves torn between professional commitments and personal obligations. The fear of failure is a looming threat for many women entrepreneurs, often stemming from skepticism, imposter syndrome, and a lack of confidence or opportunity. Women also face other hurdles in business, such as inadequate support systems, gender inequality, microaggressions, and consistent prejudice surrounding skills and knowledge in business. Though there are few programs specifically tailored for women in business, the expectations and pressure to know more than their male counterparts is high. Women who are more timid or soft-spoken may face different challenges than women with more dominant personalities, and vice versa. Despite all these factors, in 2022, 47% of new business owners were women^[2]The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs
https://gusto.com/company-news/the-rise-of-women-entrepreneurs. Bizzell believes empowering all women to believe in themselves and own their success is critical to overcoming these challenges and thriving in entrepreneurship.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the work of our global initiatives to bring equity and innovation to the small business industry. In the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative has been established to change the game for women-owned businesses. The Bizzell-SNDBX XcelHERate Entrepreneurship Challenge (XcelHERate) is poised to uplift and celebrate the entrepreneurial prowess of women, providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive in the business world and positively impact their communities.

The XcelHERate initiative is designed to support young women entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with existing businesses that have demonstrated resilience and innovation. It seeks out businesses that challenge the status quo and offer unique, scalable products or services with a clear social impact. By empowering these women, XcelHERate aims to drive economic development and foster a culture of entrepreneurship in Kenya.

The importance of women’s entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in communities worldwide. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we can unlock new sources of innovation, creativity, and productivity, driving overall economic development. Women entrepreneurs often also bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, addressing the needs of underserved markets and driving social change. They are critical in advancing gender equality and empowering other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Through the XcelHERate Challenge, women entrepreneurs in Kenya can access capital, build their skills, expand their networks, and gain business exposure. Investing in women entrepreneurs can help unlock their full potential and create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The XcelHERate initiative promises to be a transformative experience for women entrepreneurs, empowering them to realize their full potential and become leaders in their respective industries. With the support of Bizzell, SNDBX, and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem, these women are poised to make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

References

[1] 8 Major Challenges Women Face In Business https://www.forbes.com/sites/margueritacheng/2018/10/31/8-major-challenges-women-face-in-business/?sh=11d89c816461
[2] The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs https://gusto.com/company-news/the-rise-of-women-entrepreneurs

22Jan2024

Bizzell-SNDBX Paves the Way for Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya

Bizzell-SNDBX Paves the Way for Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya with XcelHERate Challenge

January 22, 2024 (New Carrollton, Md) — A cohort of 20 women entrepreneurs in Kenya is poised to embark on an intensive entrepreneur boot camp as part of the inaugural Bizzell-SNDBX XcelHERate Entrepreneurship Challenge (XcelHERate). This initiative is designed to uplift and acknowledge the entrepreneurial prowess of women in Kenya, empowering them to cultivate viable business opportunities that positively impact their communities.

XcelHERate supports young women entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years with existing businesses that demonstrated resilience. The challenge sought businesses that disrupt the status quo by offering unique, scalable products or services with a positive social impact on the community. The challenge winner will gain access to the SNDBX workspace and its community of over 35 entrepreneurs from various fields, facilitating potential collaborations and partnerships to scale their businesses and explore new markets.

The XcelHERate identifies and supports emerging businesswomen, offering them training and coaching interventions to fortify their foundations. Top participants will also receive cash injections into their businesses to ensure sustainability and success. This challenge recognizes the perseverance and innovation of women who have transformed challenges into profitable ventures.

Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Chairman and CEO of Bizzell US, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about creating a network that nurtures brilliance and fosters a legacy of innovation. In this business incubator, we will cultivate dreams, turning them into thriving enterprises, one empowered woman at a time.”

The second phase of the challenge centers on an entrepreneur boot camp—a comprehensive program delivering three months of intensive business coaching. This training equips participants with valuable skills to expand their businesses and comprehend the significance of various disciplines. The boot camp encompasses a blend of in-person training and virtual coaching sessions, providing a holistic learning experience.

Joram Mwinamo, CEO of SNDBX, affirms, “Through this boot camp, we aim to equip business owners with the skills and knowledge to take their businesses to new heights. We believe in values such as hard work, determination, resilience, and passion, and we want to instill these values in Kenyan entrepreneurs, particularly women in business.”

Conducted by experts from SNDBX, a professional services aggregator offering a diverse range of services to help businesses realize their full potential, the boot camp provides training and coaching in essential areas such as product-market fit, strategy, capital readiness, operations, and excellence.

In addition to the boot camp training, participants have the opportunity to win cash prizes provided by Bizzell, the sponsor of the challenge. The first, second, and third-place winners will receive cash injections into their businesses for expansion and growth. The pitching and award events will garner media coverage, offering valuable publicity for the participants.

For more information about XcelHERate, please visit: https://xcelherate.com/.

About Bizzell US:

Established in 2010, Bizzell US (Bizzell) is a consulting, strategy, investment, and technology firm that designs innovative solutions to help build healthy, secure, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world. Bizzell leverages the combined experience of our diverse subject matter experts to develop data-driven, research-informed answers to the world’s most complex challenges—ensuring our clients achieve their vision and goals through innovated solutions. To learn more about Bizzell, visit https://BizzellUS.com/.

Media Contact: Chad J. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer
cbrown@bizzellus.com | 301.459.0100

About SNDBX:

SNDBX International is an innovative, one-stop professional services aggregator that provides relevant, local solutions for growing African businesses within a vibrant entrepreneurial community. With a network of experts from various disciplines, SNDBX strives to create sustainable success and growth for SMEs of all sizes. To learn more about SNDBX, visit https://ke.sndbxinternational.com/.

14Jul2023

Bizzell Secures Federal Contract for Management of Guthrie Job Corps Center

July 17, 2023 (New Carrollton, MD) – Bizzell US (Bizzell) was awarded the federal contract to operate and manage the Guthrie Job Corps Center located in Guthrie, OK, effective July 1, 2023. This 5-year contract will provide education and training to 550 youths and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. In addition, the contract will provide 180 staff member jobs for members of the Guthrie community. Bizzell will also actively collaborate with the Guthrie community as a critical stakeholder in Bizzell’s long-term strategic development plans for the Center. Guthrie now joins Tulsa, Oklahoma, Long Beach, California, and New Haven, Connecticut, Job Corps Centers under the management of Bizzell.

Guthrie students will be able to obtain high school diplomas and complete training for in-demand trades such as finance and business, information technology, and culinary arts. The leading trades at Guthrie are electrical, plumbing, and certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Guthrie graduates will receive support in securing career opportunities, including attaining industry-specific job positions, enlisting in the Armed Forces, pursuing higher education opportunities, or exploring advanced training programs.

“The Bizzell team is fully dedicated to supporting and partnering with the communities where our students live. These students will benefit from an expansive network ready to support them as they achieve their goals,” emphasized Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Bizzell Chairman and CEO. “We are fortunate to have Jill Zimmer serve as the Center Director as we focus on increasing innovation and expanding student enrollment.”

Center Director

Staying on as the Guthrie Center Director is Ms. Jill Zimmer. Serving in multiple capacities, Ms. Zimmer has supported the Guthrie Job Corps Center for nearly 15 years, beginning as an academic instructor. She has taught all subjects, including literacy, numeracy, high school diploma studies, and GED instruction. From 2012 to 2020, Ms. Zimmer was an academic manager, and eventually a career technical training manager. In 2021, she was promoted to Deputy Center Director. Bizzell is thrilled to have Ms. Zimmer continue building brighter futures by transforming the lives of our young people.

About Job Corps

Job Corps, the nation’s largest residential job training program, prepares young adults, ages 16-24, with education and hands-on career training for entry-level positions that lead to careers in today’s workforce. For more information, visit https://www.jobcorps.gov.

About Bizzell US

Bizzell US is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone-certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate positive change. Bizzell delivers award-winning services to a diverse portfolio of clients to help build healthy, secure, and sustainable communities across the globe. Leveraging decades of combined experience from our multi-disciplinary team, our subject matter experts develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex, real-world challenges. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

Media Contact: Carlos Gomez
cgomez@bizzellglobal.com | 301.246.6250

21Jun2023

Bizzell Announces New Center Director for Tulsa Job Corps Center

June 22, 2023 (New Carrollton, Md) – Bizzell US (Bizzell) is pleased to introduce Adrienne Pope as the new Center Director for the Tulsa Job Corps Center, operated by Bizzell. As the new Center Director, Ms. Pope will oversee the strategic direction, daily operations, and overall success of the center. She will work closely with the center’s dedicated team of educators, counselors, and support staff to ensure that each student receives the highest quality of education and guidance necessary to thrive in their chosen career paths.

Ms. Pope has over 19 years of leadership experience in education and Job Corps Centers. She has supported the Hartford Job Corps Center in Hartford, CT since 2010 where she has served as the Center Director, Deputy Center Director, Director of Administrative Services, and Careers Services Director.

“Adrienne Pope is a remarkable individual whose passion for education and youth development aligns perfectly with our organization’s values. She brings a remarkable track record of success and innovation, and we are thrilled to have her on board, said Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Bizzell Chairman and CEO. “We are confident that Adrienne will lead the Tulsa Job Corps Center to new heights and continue our commitment to transforming lives and collaborating with the greater Tulsa community.”

Bizzell operates the 13-acre Tulsa Job Corps Center, where they provide academic, career technical, career success skills, and career development training and related support services to nearly 235 young adults each day between the ages of 16-24. The Center offers students education and training programs in the hospitality, construction, heath care, and homeland security industries. With more than 115 staff supporting the center, all are residents of the greater Tulsa community and work to partner with local businesses and resources, such as the YMCA, University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Police Department, to assist the students throughout their journey.

Ms. Pope is available for media interviews upon request.

About Job Corps

About Bizzell US