ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs Pre-Accelerator 2024
Participating in the ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs Pre-Accelerator 2024 was an enriching experience. This program, designed to support and uplift women-led businesses, offered a blend of expert-led sessions, one-on-one coaching, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
While the journey was filled with numerous positives, it also came with its share of challenges. For transparency, I will share both.
Positives
One of the most significant benefits of the ELLEvate Pre-Accelerator was the workshops and fireside chats with industry experts. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics essential for business growth, ranging from market research to financial planning and legal advice.
Another major highlight was the personalized coaching. Each participant was paired with a business coach who provided tailored guidance and support throughout the program. This one-on-one mentorship helped me refine my business strategy. The coaches' dedication and expertise were palpable, and by the end of the program, I had a business plan and financial projections - which I would have likely not taken the time to do otherwise.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of the ELLEvate program was the connections made with other women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurial journey can get lonely sometimes, and for three months, it did not feel like it. We shared our experiences, challenges, and successes, learning from one another and fostering a collaborative environment. The friendships forged throughout the program will live beyond it.
Negatives
Despite the many positives, there were areas where the program could improve. One of the main issues was the clarity of the program's goals. The inclusion of a highly profitable business that had decided to step down but was pulled back into the program and ended up being among the top winners, raised questions about the program's objectives.
This decision taken from external judges made it unclear whether the ELLEvate Pre-Accelerator was intended to support early-stage businesses in need of acceleration or reward those already successful. This left some participants questioning their place in it. I would have liked to see the main prize awarded to a business that truly needed it, and there were many others in the program for which the prize would've made a huge difference.
Another concern was the lack of diversification in award distribution. With two businesses from the same category receiving awards, it felt like a missed opportunity to celebrate the wide variety of innovative businesses that participated.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, my experience with the ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs Pre-Accelerator 2024 was a journey of growth, learning, and reflection. The program's strengths in providing expert knowledge, personalized coaching, and fostering a supportive community were undeniable. However, addressing the challenges related to program clarity and diversification would further elevate its impact, in my opinion. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated and look forward to seeing how the program evolves to better serve the needs of women entrepreneurs in the future because, behind every business, there are people who put their effort, money, and energy into something they truly believe in.