Opportunities: Scholarships for New Media Women Entrepreneurs in India

The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is offering an opportunity for two women entrepreneurs in the new media sector to join an upcoming class of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women in India. Through 10,000 Women, participants receive a world class education focused on helping entrepreneurs to think big and grow their businesses. Selected women entrepreneurs will receive full scholarships to participate in the training program in Pune from September 19, 2011 to November 21, 2011.

Participation of new media women entrepreneurs is an effort to diversify the emerging digital news media landscape by expanding the voice and role of women entrepreneurs. Limited access to credit and training, coupled with cultural stereotypes and outdated perceptions, threaten women’s full participation as entrepreneurs in the digital news media. Men receive 95 percent of venture capital funds and almost 75 percent of training in starting a business. The initiative tackles this disparity head on by combating the twin obstacles of access to financing and access to skills development.
“This unique initiative will provide much needed access and support, amplifying the voices and impact of women media entrepreneurs,” said IWMF Advisory Committee Chairman Merrill Brown. “The full participation of women in the global digital news frontier is crucial to ensuring equal access to new important news outlets. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with women around the world in groundbreaking journalistic and technological innovation.”

The 10,000 Women application is open to women entrepreneurs with financial need who own businesses that use digital media in innovative ways to deliver news. Please see the project brochure for more details about eligibility. Businesses must demonstrate growth potential and have accompanying business plans. Preference is given to women entrepreneurs that employ at least five people. Deadline for applications is July 29, 2011. For more information on the programme and the application, click here