Walker’s Legacy and the NRF Foundation are excited to partner together to bring Be An Innovator: Retail Entrepreneurship Program for University Students. This 6-week program is designed to provide undergraduate women of color with the keys to success and knowledge to thrive as retail entrepreneurs. 

This program is an expansion of the Be An Innovator Summit and will provide a deeper exploration experience for students to both learn from a dedicated instructor and gain knowledge about starting and running a business alongside a national cohort.  

Successful students will graduate from the program with a certificate of completion and deep exposure to the principles of starting and running a successful retail business.

Program Dates

March 6- April 17, 2021

Applications Open

January 4, 2020

Application Deadline

February 15, 2021

Modules

1. Initial Start-up Considerations: Exploring the Life of Entrepreneurs – This module will cover key factors of success, important start-up considerations, addressing shortfalls, and essential components of a business plan.

2. Retail 101 – This module will cover various types of retailers and the challenges and opportunities within the retail sector.  The module is designed to aid students in understanding the retail eco-system.

3. Marketing for Your Small Business – This module will cover consumer and organizational buying behavior, strategic marketing, product and brand management, pricing, and integrated marketing communications.

4. Technology for Your Small Business – This module will cover effective technology branding strategies, social networking, and technologies to streamline business processes.

5. Strategic Growth: Growing and Expanding Your Small Business – This module will cover the implications of organization growth, globalization, outsourcing, competition drivers, and increasing service requirements for start-ups and small businesses. Students will also explore the different opportunities for funding including venture capital, crowdfunding, and angel investors.

6. Presenting for Investors – This module will cover effective oral presentation delivery, communication with stakeholders, and presenting for investors. Students will also learn the benefits of and best strategies for pitch competitions.