Question 1

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Step 1. Please fill out the WMarketplace Accelerator Application.

Step 2. If you are accepted into the program, we will send you a link to the Participation Agreement and information on cohort start dates/timing.

Step 3. Once the Participation Agreement is signed, we will send you an invoice and your business will be ready to grow with the next cohort!

Question 2

What is the cost to participate in the WMarketplace Accelerator program?

Accepted Answer

For participants in the US program, the cost for each business to participate is $1500. This program includes:

6 weeks of instructor-led workshops, each 2 hours 
6 months of mentoring and support from the start of the cohort
A dedicated, private Slack channel for quick communication, community building and connection
A dedicated resources page on WMarketplace website for session recordings, participation guides, tools shared in class, mentorship schedules and WMarketplace vetted business resources.

Question 3

Does the WMarketplace Accelerator program offer scholarships?

Accepted Answer

If your business is located in Tumwater, Lacey or Olympia, Washington, the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) offers full scholarships to screened and approved clients. Please reach out to info@wcwb.org for more information and to apply.

If you are participating in one of our export-focused programs, please reach out about information on the STEP Grant program that can offset a portion of the Accelerator fee. Please email Christina@WMarketplace.com for more information.

Question 4

Does The WMarketplace Accelerator take equity if I join a cohort?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike other accelerator programs, The WMarketplace Accelerator is a flat-fee program of $1500 and does not take any ownership or equity in your business.

We are here to support women entrepreneurs who want to grow online!

Question 5

What is WMarketplace Inc and its ecommerce accelerator program?

Accepted Answer

WMarketplace Inc is an ecommerce accelerator program by women entrepreneurs, for women entrepreneurs. We are dedicated to supporting female business owners worldwide with practical tools, guidance and expert advice in growing their online business.

Participants join expert-led real-time ecommerce workshops within a cohort setting with other women entrepreneurs to empower women business owners in successfully selling their products online and achieving sustainable growth wherever they are.

Question 6

Why choose the WMarketplace Accelerator?

Accepted Answer

Hundreds of women-owned businesses trained in online growth strategies

Practical, cutting edge tools and techniques designed to grow your online sales.

Extensive expertise in ecommerce, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs

Comprehensive instructor-led ecommerce workshops covering essential topics

Personalized support, mentorship, and guidance from industry professionals

Networking and collaboration opportunities within a supportive community including a dedicated, private Slack channel for each cohort.

Demonstrated commitment to economic development through ecommerce entrepreneurship

Trackable ROI using ecommerce analytics

Effective partnerships with local, state, and national public and private organizations dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs and economic development

Question 7

How long is the WMarketplace Accelerator program?

Accepted Answer

The application process normally takes 2-3 weeks from the time you apply until you receive acceptance into the program.

Once you have been assigned to a cohort, a program start date will be communicated. Program workshops are once a week for 6 weeks. Each weekly session is two hours. Coaching and mentoring will continue for six months after the six week sessions are completed.

Question 8

What is the content of the ecommerce training in the WMarketplace Accelerator?

Accepted Answer

Following is an outline of the 6 sessions of instructor-led ecommerce workshops:

Week 1: Getting Started with Brand Clarity
 
Create/Refining you business' value proposition
Identifying your ideal customer

Week 2: A Successful Blueprint for Ecommerce

What can you control: Images, SEO, product descriptions
Optimizing your product descriptions and images

Week 3: Breaking Through the Noise Online

Strategies to tell your story
Tools and methods to stand out
Leveraging social media
Building your brand

Week 4: Sales Channel Analysis

Evaluating online channels
Choosing the right channels for your business
Are you ready to scale?

Week 5: Customer Experience

Customer service trends and policies
Packaging and labeling* are critical
The unboxing experience and customer retention
Logistics support
Import considerations (for global program)

*Additional content for Global Program

Week 6 (For Export-Focused Accelerator): Introduction to Exporting

Taking advantage of state and federal resources
Passive versus strategic exporting
Finding and evaluation international markets
Shipping and logistics
Optimizing your online store for international customers

Week 6 (For Domestic Accelerator): Business overview / putting it all together

Business planning & finance
Pricing and profit
Inventory
Shipping
Taxes

Question 9

How often do cohorts start?

Accepted Answer

Cohorts typically launch quarterly.

Question 10

How many businesses can participate in an accelerator cohort?

Accepted Answer

Cohort sizes range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 businesses. Forming community among the participants and the ability to ask questions of our expert facilitators is key to our success so we keep cohorts small.

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