You're a woman of under-resourced communities who's ready to grow your business.
You've got the ideas and the drive
but you need access to resources and capital
That's where we come in.
Through collaborative partnerships, Girls For Technology is leading the way for women of
under-resourced communities throughout Connecticut to engage in innovative, sustainable program solutions that catalyze wealth creation and economic success for women of under-resourced communities to build more equitable communities by increasing access to higher-paying jobs and small business ownership opportunities.
How it Works
Building For Equity is a 6-week accelerated program and pitch competition for women of under-resourced communities' business owners to acquire the necessary training, mentorship, knowledge, and skills needed to gain access to capital.
Girls For Technology will select 10 women business owners to participate in this training and pitch cohort. We'll also provide one-on-one mentorship during the course of your 6-week journey through Building For Equity.
At the end of Building For Equity, each participant will pitch their business plan to an audience of investors and peers at our Building For Equity Pitch Competition!
Mentor
BECOME A
Want to Make a Real Impact?
Become a BFE Mentor!
As we grow, we invite YOU to use your expertise to help entrepreneurs flourish. We are looking for mentors who are passionate about guiding the next generation of business leaders. Your knowledge, experience, and encouragement could be the key to someone else’s success.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must identify as a woman of under-resourced communities
Participant must commit to 6-weeks in the program
The business must be operating and generating revenue no more than $250K annually
Must be located and doing business within Connecticut
Must be a business operating either in the CPG or Technology industries ( see definition below):
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Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Company: items used daily by average consumers that require routine replacement or replenishment, such as food, beverages, clothes, makeup, household products, etc.
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Technology Company: focus on the development and manufacturing that uses leading-edge scientific and technological knowledge systemically and continuously to produce new goods and services with added value.
Program Benefits
Weekly Masterclass taught by industry
experts
Weekly assignments to help assist with knowledge transfer
3 Coaching calls with industry leaders to discuss your business needs
Pitch your business to a live in-person audience for a chance to win $$$
Slack community for contained networking, learning, and resource sharing
Connection to partner resources and more
Topics Covered
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Knowing Yourself
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Knowing Your Customer
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Discovering the Bottom Line
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Legal & Accounting Considerations
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Marketing & Branding
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Financial Modeling
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Planning For Growth
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Venture Education
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Raising Capital & Securing Grants
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And so much more….
Faqs
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Who qualifies as a member of an underrepresented community for the Building For Equity program?Building For Equity is designed to uplift Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, who are at the heart of our mission. We also welcome individuals from other historically underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans—all of whom have faced systemic barriers in entrepreneurship. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Do I have to live in Connecticut to qualify?No, but your business must either operate in Connecticut or be registered in Connecticut. Applicants must provide proof that their business is legally recognized and actively conducting business in the state.
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What type of business qualifies for this program?Eligible businesses must have, or be working toward, a tangible product in industries such as Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), E-Commerce, Application creation, or SaaS (Software as a Service). For example, if you operate a mobile bartending company and plan to launch a Simple Syrup or Mixer product, you would be an ideal fit. Additionally, businesses must be registered as for-profit entities.
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Will there be dinner served at the Gala?Yes, a 3-course meal will be served during the gala. Dietary restrictions and preferences can be mentioned while purchasing tickets.
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Can I volunteer at the Gala?Yes, we welcome volunteers who are passionate about supporting Girls For Technology. Please contact Latonia Tabb at gala@girlsfortechnology.org to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
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Will I receive my tickets in the mail?No. We do not issue paper tickets. You will simply check in upon arrival at the check-in table by giving our staff your name. When you purchase your tickets through OneCause, you will receive a confirmation email for your records.
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How can I purchase tickets for the Gala?Tickets can be purchased through our website by selecting "Buy Tickets"
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Is there parking available at the Gala venue?Yes, there will be designated parking available at the Connecticut Convention Center parking garage. Please follow the instructions provided by event staff upon arrival.
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What other activities can we expect at the Girls For Technology gala?Apart from the keynote speeches and dinner, there will be live entertainment, a silent auction, and opportunities for networking and engaging with like-minded individuals.
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Is there an age restriction for attending the Gala?The Gala welcomes attendees ages 5 and up with purchase of Gala entry. However, we recommend parental discretion for young children due to the formal and professional nature of the event.
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Can I purchase a ticket at the door?No. We expect that the Gala will sell out, so we encourage you to make your ticket purchase as soon as possible. The last day to purchase a ticket will be November 23th
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Are there any sponsorship opportunities available for the Gala?Yes, there are various sponsorship level opportunities available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Girls For Technology. Please visit our website or email Latonia Tabb at gala@girlsfortechnology.org for more information.
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Can I make additional donations at the Gala?Absolutely! Girls For Technology greatly appreciates any additional contributions. There will be additional opportunities to make additional donations during the gala.
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How do I become a Table Captain?Table Captains are highly encouraged to secure a guaranteed table of 10 seats together. Please click here, click the "Get Tickets" button and select "Table Captain" or email Latonia Tabb at gala@girlsfortechnology.org for more information.
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Will there be any special guests or keynote speakers at the Gala?Yes, the gala will feature prominent figures in STEAM, as well as inspiring keynote speakers who will share their experiences and insights. Please visit our website for more information.
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How will the funds raised at the gala be utilized by Girls For Technology?The funds raised at the gala will primarily support Girls For Technology programs, including scholarships, mentoring programs, and resource development, to inspire and empower young girls in the STEAM fields.
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How can I stay updated on future Girls For Technology events or initiatives?Please sign up on our website to be a part of our distribution list to receive our newsletter and/or follow our social media accounts for the latest updates and announcements.
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Will there be any special guests or keynote speakers at the gala?Yes, the Gala will feature Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey, the Global Head of Community Inclusion Programs for Women of Color at Google and founder of Mother AI.
