Stanford supports women to grow their businesses
Stanford University is offering a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs looking to drive growth and innovation in their businesses through a specialised scholarship programme.
This initiative aims to empower more women to excel in the business world by providing access to invaluable resources and support.
The scholarship, sponsored by De Beers, offers a grant of US$100 to selected female applicants.
The programme spans over four months, equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to scale their businesses effectively.
The Stanford Seed engagement brought together a diverse audience of stakeholders, business owners and CEOs to emphasise the significance of strategic initiatives, aimed at fostering growth and innovation within Namibia’s business landscape.
“Applications are open until 15 May. I encourage all women in business to apply, learn more and grow their businesses. We also help with the application process and mentorship,” said Wanetsha Mosinyi, a representative at Stanford Seed.
Ingrid Kloppers-Mettler, the founder and managing director of Lingua and Stanford alumni, shared an inspiring narrative of entrepreneurship during an engagement at the Stanford Seed event held at Avani Hotel on Friday. Lingua was founded by Kloppers-Mettler 23 years ago in a one-bedroom house. Today, Lingua has expanded its reach across Namibia, establishing a significant presence in the education sector. Speaking at the Stanford Seed gathering, Kloppers-Mettler emphasised the transformative impact of seeking opportunities for growth and development. “We applied for this programme because we were aiming for excellence and wanted to expand our horizons,” she explained.
This programme offers a diverse network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and growth.
Furthermore, the programme provides access to experienced coaches, a comprehensive library of resources and tailored mentorship, enhancing participants’ professional development and strategic capabilities. Reflecting on the inception of Lingua, Kloppers-Mettler highlighted her journey as a founder. “I stumbled upon the Stanford Seed programme through social media, and I saw it as a golden opportunity for our institution’s growth,” she expressed. Addressing a common misconception among entrepreneurs, KloppersMettler emphasised the importance of delegation and trust within business operations.
“As a founder, I initially believed I had to do everything myself. However, it›s essential for business owners to recognise that their absence doesn’t equate to business failure,” she shared.