Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics is at the forefront of championing women entrepreneurs and leaders, with initiatives such as the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Center, the Women’s Leadership Program, and student organizations like Women in Business and STEM. This dedication extends globally through the college’s collaboration with Yuukke, a nonprofit organization that empowers women entrepreneurs in developing countries by offering mentorship, networking, conferences, and a specialized marketplace.
In partnership with Yuukke, the Center for Entrepreneurship launched a global online course designed to equip women entrepreneurs with essential business skills. The course, a brainchild of Sri Sundaram, Dean of the College of Business and Economics, and a founding member of Yuukke’s board, underscores the college’s global commitment to female entrepreneurship.
The program features four weekly 90-minute workshops, focusing on crucial business areas such as funding, customer validation, operations, scaling, and strategy. These sessions, led by CSUF faculty and consultants, including John Bradley Jackson, Victor Macias, and Travis Lindsay, provide participants with expert guidance drawn from decades of experience in Southern California’s startup ecosystem.
Addressing the diverse needs of women entrepreneurs across continents, the program offers tailored advice that is applicable in various economic contexts, from emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa to established business hubs in Europe. The inaugural cohort in early 2024 saw over 30 women from Asia, Africa, and Europe gain valuable insights to advance their businesses.
The partnership, bolstered by grant funding from NorthSTAR OC, is poised for expansion, with plans for similar collaborations in Vietnam, Korea, Europe, and beyond. Dean Sundaram envisions this initiative as a model for global academic-social enterprise collaboration, enhancing entrepreneurial outcomes and strengthening a worldwide network of innovators.
