Breaking Through

Chapter 21Networking

IN THE UNITED STATES, WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS find support from a variety of different sources, but one in particular is professional networks.

Two programs illustrate the use of professional networks: Dell's DWEN, and Astia's Community of Experts.

Astia, a California company founded in 1999 in Silicon Valley as a nonprofit organization, has set up a Community of Experts committed to supporting women as entrepreneurs and leaders in high-growth businesses, fueling innovation and driving economic growth. Astia now raises funds to support women entrepreneurs.

Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network

Through the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), Dell connects women entrepreneurs across the globe with networks, sources of capital, knowledge, and technology, giving them the power to do more.

DWEN unites top global women owners in an entrepreneurial community. By spotlighting women's entrepreneurial success and creating a supportive atmosphere, DWEN helps a group of like-minded women share best practices, build business opportunities through collaboration, explore international expansion, and access new resources that support business growth.

DWEN hosts an annual Network Event, which is an invitation-only gathering of women founders, CEOs, and thought leaders. They come together to discuss their most pressing business issues and consider how technology can help ignite growth in today's increasingly global economy. In 2013, DWEN launched an initiative (Pay It Forward) ...