American and African Business Women's Alliance

As usual, I was searching for different ways to fill my pockets and network with other like-minded women when I stumbled upon this organization - the American and African Business Women's Alliance - and decided to post it in case someone was interested. The goal of the alliance is to help foster business opportunities for American and African business women involved in trade and investment.  They help women develop management skills and provide mentoring and a platform for business women to network with each other. Check out their website and apply to join if you're interested.

Oh and lest I appear a scrooge, Merry Christmas! :-) I had an absolutely wonderful day with friends and family and ate absolutely too much.  Hope your day was just as blessed!

Picture source: http://www.aabwa.com/index.html

BarCamp Ghana 2009

I just found out about this event being held in Accra, Ghana on December 21st 2009 and think it's a wonderful idea!  Although it is not focused particularly on women, it's a great avenue for young Ghanaian women entrepreneurs to meet each other and share ideas, as well as a unique opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals. Check out their press release below: 

 
 

On December 22, 2008, over a hundred young Ghanaians met in Accra for BarCamp Ghana '08 to exchange ideas on entrepreneurship, innovation and development for a rising Ghana. This summer, the conversations moved to Washington, DC on July 25, 2009 where BarCamp Diaspora '09 brought together the African Diaspora to exchange ideas on doing business in Africa.

This month, we present BarCamp Ghana '09, under the theme "Leadership for our times - cultivating change makers".

When: December 21, 2009 from 8am - 6pm
Where: Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology
20 Aluguntuguntu st
East Legon
Accra, Ghana

You may participate online at the conference website if you are not close to Accra.

A BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering where attendees meet for discussions, demos and networking. Unlike a typical conference, at a BarCamp everyone is both a speaker and a participant. The content is provided by all attendees based on their interests, unified under the theme.

BarCamp Ghana '09 would focus on exchanging ideas on how the youth of Ghana can create and make change and start leading in various disciplines. The event would highlight different success stories involving change-making youth. There will also be special Google sessions introducing various Google tools and applications to attendees.

Speakers and panelists will include Patrick Awuah of Ashesi University, George Minta of Empretec, Estelle Sowah of Google Ghana, Hajo Bithelmer of Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, etc.

BarCamp Ghana ’09 is a FREE event for anyone who is interested in using their skills, talent, and resources to benefit Africa. It will provide a great opportunity for the African Diaspora to network and collaborate on projects.  Register/RSVP today at the BarCamp Ghana website. Help spread the word about BarCamp Diaspora '09 by grabbing badges and support us by donating to keep the participation costs low. You may also contact us for sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested in organizing a breakout session, let us know, especially if you have special needs.

BarCamp Ghana 09 is sponsored by the GhanaThink Foundation, Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, etc. Our media partner is CITI 97.3FM
See you there!

Business plan competition for African women entrepreneurs!

Do you have a business idea and need capital to get it going? If so, enter the business plan competiton (sponsored by Bid Network) for women entrepreneurs in Africa, Latin America, or Asia by January 15th 2010 for the opportunity to win 15,000 euros and receive feedback on your business plan. 

Picture source: http://africabusinesswomen.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-business-plan-competition

Ewuraba - the website

Ewuraba (used in reference to a lady in the Twi language), is a website dedicated to professional African women.  It features talented women from all over Africa who are making an impact through their business ideas and creativity.  The website was created by three Ghanaian men with the goal of allowing African women to market their business ventures globally.  Click on the link above to read more and be inspired.

Picture source: awuraba.com