IAMCP Women in Technology E3 Program: Deadline Extended

The Women in Technology (WIT) community of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) has gained impressive momentum over the past two years. Well-attended webinars, popular regional meetings and standing-room-only Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) luncheons establish the value WIT brings to the channel.

Taking another step forward, the IAMCP WIT is sponsoring the Entrepreneurs, Executives and Excellence (E3) Program, an intensive entrepreneurship program for women in the channel. 

Through E3, 15 female entrepreneurs and executives will be selected to participate in a four-month educational program. Virtual training, delivered by subject-matter experts in finance, marketing, sales and corporate innovation, will help the participants scale their businesses and develop skills to run world-class companies. At completion of the program, participants will be able to showcase their businesses at WPC 2016 in Toronto.

Through an intensive four-week educational program, workshops and coaching, the E3 program will help selected participants refine financial strategies and business plans to grow their businesses. The program will be managed by Venture Hive, a leading entrepreneurship education company and Microsoft partner based in Miami.

"IAMCP WIT is thrilled to partner with Venture Hive to offer the E3 Program -- Entrepreneurs, Executives and Excellence. We believe that mentorship is a vital practice for women who want to elevate their businesses to new heights of success," said Jennifer Didier, international IAMCP WIT chair and CEO of Directions Training. "Engaging in productive relationships with people who have proven business skills and professional acumen can profoundly impact entrepreneurs and executives by equipping them with the tools they need to pursue fruitful careers, establish inspiring workplaces, and encourage the next generation of business leaders."

Didier has been the driving force behind WIT's latest initiative. After learning about the entrepreneurial training that Venture Hive provides, she saw the potential to make a real impact for women in the channel. Didier's pitch to fellow leaders in IAMCP WIT and the greater Microsoft ecosystem was well-received, leading to the launch of the E3 program and WPC 2016 showcase   

According to the program application form, preference will be given to women who are entrepreneurs, CEOs or executives leading companies with between $1 million and $10 million in annual revenues. Participants in the 15-week E3 program should expect five to seven contact hours per week, plus an additional 20 or more hours of preparation and assignments. The program is open to international participants.  

Additional details on the program are available at the E3 program site. To apply, access the application form here. The original closing date of March 11, as stated on the Web site, has been extended. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 18.

The IAMCP WIT community is making a difference in the Microsoft partner channel. Better-equipped business leaders who build strong technology companies add value to the entire ecosystem. Young women who see opportunity to take their place in a growing industry are more likely to join us as the next generation of developers, salespeople, system architects, consultants, data analysts, practice leads, product managers and CEOs.

How are you supporting diversity in the channel? Add a comment below or send me a note and let's share your story.

Posted by Barb Levisay on March 09, 2016