If you’re a mum-trepreneur, or thinking of becoming one, then there are probably hundreds of questions and concerns that you may have. In some cases, you may not even know where to start, even with months and weeks of research.
Sometimes you just need a little guiding hand to help you make the first step into your first venture. One support group that has made headlines in helping female businesswomen become great successes is Women Entrepreneur Network Association of Malaysia or WENA.
But to limit them to just a support group would be great disservice. They offer so much more than moral support or community. If you’re a part of or are interested in joining the entrepreneurship world, here’s what you need to know about this amazing organisation.
Women Entrepreneur Network Association (WENA)
Women Entrepreneur Network Association (WENA) is a non-government organisation that is dedicated to guiding Malaysian women on the path of entrepreneurial success.
Since their inception in 2003, WENA has helped countless women in business start, maintain and catapult their ventures to new heights. By providing valuable insights from industry experts, the association has helped many women take their businesses to the next level.
Their services include education talks, awareness campaigns, community gatherings, and many more. All these are organised to help business owners develop skills, expand their influence, learn industry secrets, as well as promote their products and services
WENA’s network events are particularly noteworthy as they help prospective businesswomen find mentors and inspiration. They also regularly host programmes, workshops, seminars and training to facilitate personal and professional development.
Their contributions are too numerous to mention all in a single article. But here are their most important and far-reaching initiatives when it comes to women’s empowerment in the business field.
Providing Business Education to Malaysian Women
WENA’s main objective is education and awareness. The bulk of their seminars and workshops are meant to help entrepreneurs develop necessarily skills and knowledge that will help them run successful businesses.
Marketing, finances, networking, leadership, branding, etc are all part of their overarching goal to cultivate more female entrepreneurs. Some of their past events include Wena2U, which helps members market their business.
One of their programs, WENA Mentoring Women, aspires to help local business get their products overseas. The ER360 Business Clinics assisted various entrepreneurs on how to improve on their ventures.
As of 2022, WENA is now hosting the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, which is a 10-month workshop to help women build, support and grow their business.
Promotion of Local Businesses and Small Ventures
WENA has no shortages of success stories. Their Facebook page is full of posts about members’ businesses taking off both new and old. As mentioned, their Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is their latest project. So, you can see their recent posts which feature cohorts and graduates of the programme.
The posts promote the members’ business. Their products and services, their mission and vision as well as links to their social media platforms so that prospective sponsors, clients and customers are able to easy find them.
This shows that WENA is not merely a coaching platform, but a full mentorship experience. From start to finish. Members can expect a holistic experience if they sign up as with WENA.
Collaboration with Private and Government Agencies
WENA has partnered with various organisations to help improve their members’ businesses.
They’ve previously partnered with UniRazak for the Entrepreneur Nurturers Program aimed to aid parents nurture their young ones for a life in the business world.
They’ve also partnered with ILO (International Labor Org) to organise WE Rebuild Better, a 5-month programme to help business owners gain mentors, experience and skills as well as learn what they can do in future pandemics.
Aside from these, WENA has also partnered with their sister NGOs namely Peniagawati, NAWEM, CSED, MiWEPS and BPW Malaysia for various events.
WENA Membership Perks
Those registered as a WENA member have access to an abundance of benefits. Including being a part of one of the biggest networks for women entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals.
The WENA membership gives you access to excellent programmes and activities. These include networking events, workshops and training, seminars and business forums.
Membership benefits include:
- The opportunity to connect and engage with other members, the government sectors and other business communities
- The opportunity to participate in business forums, seminars, training and workshops
- The capacity to gain understanding and explore potential business opportunities locally and internationally through extensive networking
- To get connected and establish cooperation with WENA members and related business communities
- The opportunity to introduce members’ own business and seek specific referrals from fellow members to grow
- The capacity to help and nurture future leaders and young entrepreneurs through the sharing of experience and knowledge
Moreover, all veteran and seasoned members are encouraged to mentor the next generation of newer, younger members to continue cultivating female entrepreneurs in the country. Making sure that no one is left behind.
One of their recent Global Mentoring Walk in 2021 brought together members both old and new to exchange experience, concerns and much-needed wisdom.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Many women are still fighting to find visibility in the business world. To market their ventures, make sales and promote their services.
For some, business may just be a way of making money, but to many others, it’s a passion and a dream. And it’s thanks to support groups like WENA that are taking the power back for women and helping them use it to level the playing field.
Here’s to more powerful women with successful businesses making the right kind of change in the world. These include fairer working environments, equal pay and more opportunities to lead and empower other women who need a guiding hand in their entrepreneurship journey.
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