Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program: Empowering Agricultural Entrepreneurs

Are you an agriculture entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program offers expert training, mentorship, and funding to help you scale your venture, enhance your retail skills, and create a lasting impact in your community. Don’t miss this chance to grow your potential and network with like-minded changemakers!

📄 Fellowship Name: Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program
📆 Duration: March 10 – June 30, 2025 (16 weeks)
🔵 Mode: Virtual workshops (localized gatherings where possible)
💰 Stipend: Up to $1,000 for Retail Readiness Certifications
⏳ Deadline: January 26, 2025 (Priority Deadline; rolling basis thereafter)

🌐 About Organization:

Watson Institute is a globally recognized organization focused on supporting young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who aim to create a positive impact in their communities. Through their robust training programs, mentorship opportunities, and strong alumni network, Watson Institute has empowered over 1,900 individuals to create jobs, scale ventures, and achieve meaningful impact worldwide.

🚀 About Fellowship:

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a 16-week intensive designed for entrepreneurs who work directly in farming or create value-added agricultural products. This program equips 25 participants with the skills, certifications, and mentorship needed to scale their ventures, improve retail readiness, and positively impact their communities.

Participants will engage in weekly virtual workshops, mentorship sessions, and a two-week immersive training at the start. The program includes a unique Basecamp activity where entrepreneurs organize impactful workshops in their communities, showcasing their ventures and building local networks. Participants also benefit from stipends for certifications, access to a curated network, and guidance from seasoned professionals.

The program culminates in a Pitch Summit where entrepreneurs present their ideas to local leaders, funders, and peers, paving the way for future growth and partnerships.

🏆 Benefits:

• Training: Expert-led sessions on retail strategy, branding, financial management, marketing, and more.
• Certifications: Up to $1,000 stipend for Retail Readiness Certifications.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and Watson Institute Alumni.
• Community Support: Engage with a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs for collaboration and growth.
• Pitch Summit: Present your venture to funders, leaders, and partners for visibility and support.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria:

Who Should Apply:

• Entrepreneurs working in agriculture or creating value-added products like organic foods, textiles, cosmetics, biofuels, and more.
• Impact-driven individuals from underserved communities with proven products and measurable impact.
• Entrepreneurs in the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stages with some revenue and engaged customers.

Commitment: Participants must commit to the full 16 weeks, including a two-week immersive training.

Location: Open to U.S.-based entrepreneurs, especially those from areas with high wealth inequality as per the GINI Index.

Demographics: Adults 18 or older.

📝 Application Process:

1. Submit Application: Complete the online application (approx. 45 minutes).
   • Priority Deadline: January 26, 2025.
   • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
2. First Review: Applications assessed by the Admissions Committee for leadership and venture potential.
3. Interview: Selected applicants will attend a 20-minute Zoom interview.
4. Final Review: Promising profiles are reviewed by an external Admissions Committee.
5. Acceptance: Final decisions announced by February 21, 2025.
6. Enrollment: Confirm your spot and join the “Meet the Cohort” webinar before the program begins.

About LMS

The Let Me Spread website connects colleges, universities, incubators, and organizations with motivated scholars and volunteers ready to make a difference. It streamlines the process of finding and matching opportunities, helping youth, scholars, and volunteers engage with their communities and pursue their dreams.

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