HSBC

The Need

HSBC sought a global coaching partner to support a mentorship program for female founders and entrepreneurs. 

HSBC ROAR along with AllBright and Ignition, took part in a joint commitment to supporting and empowering female entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses. The aim of the program was to provide tools, connections and confidence to help take female founders to the next level.

The Case for Investing in Women-Owned Businesses:

Although Crunchbase data shows only 2.7% of all venture capital investment is focused on female-led companies, businesses built by women tend to outperform male-only led companies on the MSCI Index. Additionally, companies with a female founder also performed 63% better than firms with all-male founding teams. Moreover, women founders are more capital efficient than their male-led start ups, delivering 35% higher returns with less capital. This initiative aims to support female entrepreneurs to bridge the gap in access to startup and growth capital.

About The Program: 

Over a 3-month program, selected applicants were invited to attend a series of exclusive, 1.5 hour virtual masterclasses, hosted by renowned female entrepreneurs in three key regions, USA, Hong Kong and UK.

Our global team of Shannon Houde (UK), Amy Fung (Hong Kong), and Kully Jaswal (U.S.) facilitated six 1.5 hour group coaching sessions in each region that provided a safe space, built trust within the group and fostered self confidence for female entrepreneurs. Our facilitators helped the participants consider how they can achieve more, reach their objectives, and find capabilities within themselves to enhance performance in their day-to-day roles.

Areas of Focus: 

During our group coaching engagements, we focused on three key areas:

1. Analyzing the growth plans and setting up their business for success. 

2. Refining their pitch & exploring the investment options

3. Scaling a team and creating the right culture.

Results:

Participants found the program a powerful way to explore business opportunities and have the courage to take their businesses to the next level. They were highly engaged and were inspired by their fellow female entrepreneurs, which made the group feel less alone in their entrepreneurial journey.

Participants were able to share their greatest challenges and provide practical resources and ideas to help one another move forward in each of the unique markets.  The group shared that the sessions helped to create greater insight and growth opportunities for their unique businesses.

At the close of the program, some participants were so inspired by the sessions that they planned to continue meeting for informal discussions and connection opportunities to maintain the invaluable support and mentorship from each other.