KnowHow, CIPE’s new online resource, matches the professional skills of corporate or individual volunteers with business associations seeking technical assistance. The online resource targets associations, rather than single entrepreneurs or business professionals, because helping an association multiplies the effect of a single intervention across an entire membership. While KnowHow is open to all associations, the first group of participants are women’s associations, like the Women in Business and Management (WIMBIZ) in Nigeria.

WIMBIZ’s mission is “to be the catalyst that elevates the profile and influence of women in management and business”. Through annual conferences, lectures, and training programs they build awareness for women managers and entrepreneurs on professional and business opportunities, and equip the next generation of women leaders with the education and tools they need to succeed in the business world. The overall success of WIMBIZ is evaluated by the success of its members.

The organization has experienced steady membership growth from 25 members in 2008 to 75 members in 2010, as well as major achievements in advocacy and campus outreach. With the help of tax consultants, WIMBIZ recently drafted an advocacy document streamlining taxation and multiple levies in the Lagos State. The document is currently being finalized and will be presented to the Governor of Lagos State before the end of the year. WIMBIZ also holds the Winning Without Compromise (WIWIC) program twice a year to prepare female undergraduates for workplace and business issues. The program challenges participants in an interactive session to discuss and resolve their expectations, opportunities, or fears. Over 500 students attended the WIWIC program in February 2010.

To continue its current activities and in pursuit of future goals, WIMBIZ is looking for know-how to train staff, monitor and evaluate activities, develop business and membership, make grants, fundraise, and conduct advocacy trainings. Once matched with a corporate or individual volunteer with expertise in these areas, WIMBIZ hopes to conduct research and identify opportunities for improvement, create toolkits and training programs on advocacy, and develop training programs on the latest accounting packages and procedures for accounting officers. Ultimately, WIMBIZ seeks to strengthen its resource mobilization and extend programs to other parts of the country.

To learn more about KnowHow, WIMBIZ, and other participating associations visit www.knowhowexchange.org.

Anna Weber
CIPE

Comment here or share a message with the Community of Women Entrepreneurs: partners@cipe.org