This document presents ICRWs initial (qualitative) evaluation of the Goldman Sachs "10,000 Women" initiative in India to identify early results of the program on women entrepreneurs' business skills, practices and growth. Launched in 2008, the initiative?aims to provide 10,000 women who run small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-quality business and management skills training.
- The 10,000 Women program is filling an existing gap in the provision of business services to small and medium women's enterprises.
- Half of the graduates who reported data saw revenues at least double in an 18-month period.
- In the same 18-month period, graduates who reported data said the median number of employees in their businesses increased from six to 10.
- Nearly 100 percent of graduates interviewed expressed that 10,000 Women had strengthened their businessskills and helped improve performance.
- Graduates successfully adopted or improved many of the skills taught in the 10,000 Women program such as businessplanning, negotiation, accounting, marketing and the use of computers to advance their businesses.
- A number of graduates described how the 10,000 Women program gave them increased confidence to engage in male-dominated sectors and expand their businesses.
- Many graduates are "paying forward" the benefits of the program by mentoring other women on business skills, supporting a range of social causes and providing benefits to their employees.
- 10,000 Women alumni have formed personal and professional networks; some use social media tools like Facebook to help, advise and encourage each other in their efforts to succeed in business.
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- Copyright 2012 International Center for Research on Women (ICRW).
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