During my recent Business Trip to Amsterdam, I met with Corrine Heijn – the founder and President of United Succes (http://www.unitedsucces.com/) the Network for Women in Business who wants to grow their Business Internationally.
The question that the SAWCC of Hong Kong is asked: “Why Women?” ….. I asked to Corrine Heijn and the following powerful and amazing reply is what I got:
” But why a network exclusively for women? Would it not be better to integrate business women into the existing male dominated networks? ” Let me first stress that there is no ideological reason. If a member needs to integrate into a male network and asks us for advice we will help her with introductions or whatever she needs. The ‘only women’ characteristic makes it easier for many female entrepreneurs to join UnitedSucces. The mental threshold is lower than for the ordinary business networks where men dominate. And it pays off in two ways. In many countries belonging to a prestigious international network provides status to the outside world and at the same time a safe internal environment to share and grow.”
Corrine referred me to Thierry Saunders from Bidnetwork in Amsterdam as Thierry’s organization reaches out to women starting up business in emerging economies. I met with Thierry (http://www.bidnetwork.org/page/43994) and was amazed at the support available for entrepreneurs and especially for women. Please contact Maria Pontes Maria.Pontes@bidnetwork.org, should you be able to spread the word or assist in finding candidates for the following program:
Women in Business Challenge, a business plan competition for women entrepreneurs in developing countries
This is an initiative of BiD Network, sponsored by ING Bank and ICCO, supported by Plan Nederland and UnitedSucces.
This competition will help women in developing countries in starting and growing their businesses. This is what is offered to participants:
* Receive feedback and support in writing your business plan
* Access the coaching program
* Win a business trip to The Netherlands for trainings, b2b and investor meetings
* Get access to a network of more than 36,000 like-minded entrepreneurs, coaches and investors
* Win tailor made advisory services worth €5,000 from UnitedSucces, the worldwide network for business women owners
Please spread the word!
If you are a women in business – consider joining the United Succes Network.
SAWCC Vision
Our vision is to effectively enrich the lives of South African and Hong Kong youth and women for the betterment of their futures.
SAWCC Mission
To play a part in creating entrepreneurs for the 21st century by enhancing, promoting and developing the entrepreneurial spirit in the youth and women (and men) of South Africa and Hong Kong.
The South African Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is open to women and men who share our vision and mission of building bridges between China and South Africa’s youth and women. We welcome anyone who can assist with our existing projects, or who would like to initiate a new project that matches our vision and mission. For further information, please contact Ms Lizette Smook, SAWCC’s president.