The College of Business and Economics at Cal State Fullerton is a leader in supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Business Titan and Orange County communities through the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Center, Women’s Leadership Program, and student clubs such as Women in Business and STEM.
This commitment to female empowerment in business extends globally through the college’s support for Yuukke, which provides mentorship, networking opportunities, conferences and a specialized marketplace for women entrepreneurs, particularly in developing countries.
The Center for Entrepreneurship designed and launched a global online course used by women entrepreneurs through Yuukke, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by its founding member of the board, Dean Sri Sundaram. This connection demonstrates the college’s commitment to empowering women in entrepreneur enterprises worldwide.
Designing and Deploying a Course for Global Success
Four weekly 90-minute workshops cover critical business topics such as funding, customer validation, operations and scaling, and strategy. These workshops, conducted by CSUF faculty and consultants such as Center for Entrepreneurship director John Bradley Jackson ’77, Victor Macias ’09 and Travis Lindsay ’09, ensure that students have access to the insights of experts who have advised hundreds of SoCal startups.
The needs and concerns of businesswomen on different continents vary greatly. However, with decades of combined experience working with the diverse Orange County startup community, the entrepreneurship faculty and staff at CSUF are well-equipped to address concerns and advise on the best courses of action.
This tailored advice can support a startup in a boomtown in India, an emerging economy in sub-Saharan Africa, or one of the established business centers of mainland Europe.
In its first cohort in early 2024, more than 30 women from Asia, Africa, and Europe participated, gaining practical skills and insights to apply to their businesses and startups.
“Before being part of Yuukke Launchpad, my biggest challenge was confidence,” says Khushi Walia, an entrepreneur in India. “With this program, I met many fellow women entrepreneurs and that really boosted my confidence. Cal State Fullerton gave me the foundation to address all my challenges. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. A special mention to JJ and Travis for explaining complex business concepts in a simple manner.”
Expanding Global Reach and Impact
So far, the partnership between the College of Business and Economics and Yuukke has been turbocharged with grant funding from NorthSTAR OC, a collaborative for Orange County social innovation and enterprises.
Financial backing is critical to continue this outreach to the women startups of the world. Funds are needed for course materials, workshops, and personalized support.
The success of this partnership holds the potential for global replication. Dean Sundaram envisions similar collaborations with universities and organizations in Vietnam, Korea and Europe, as well as expanded outreach in Southern California.
“The partnership between the Center for Entrepreneurship and Yuukke epitomizes the synergy between academic institutions and social enterprises in cultivating entrepreneurial capabilities globally,” says Dean Sundaram. “As this collaboration progresses, it promises to not only enhance entrepreneurial outcomes but also strengthen the global network of innovators and business leaders.”
Business professionals, companies, nonprofits and others seeking to give back and make an impact through Yuukke and the Center for Entrepreneurship should reach out to the Center at [email protected].
