Meridian, in partnership with Maxum Business Incubator at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria, South Africa, and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), is conducting a two-year program funded by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of Citizen Exchanges. 12 South African women ICT (information and communication technology) entrepreneurs are currently participating in a three-week intensive course in entrepreneurship and business skills, held at CWIT in Baltimore. This course includes opportunities to shadow and network with successful U.S. women business entrepreneurs.

Upon their return to South Africa, the women will be mentored by U.S. and South African businesswomen as they work to establish their own successful ventures. In fall 2008, a group of women mentors and trainers from the U.S. will travel to South Africa to provide hands-on assistance to each of the participants and to conduct regional workshops for larger groups on entrepreneurship for women, focusing on women in ICT. Follow the entrepreneurs' visit and activities as chronicled in U.S. and international press, including:

IT Web, a South African technology publication
Hub Sends Lucky Twelve to Maryland - March 28, 2008
The Fear Factor - April 09, 2008

Star Business Report, a South African business publication:
US Training Tour to Offer SA Women Smarter Start in IT - March 06, 2008

Image: Welcome reception for South African women entrepreneurs with Meridian staff and U.S. trainers and mentors, as well as representatives from the State Department, South African Embassy and Gallup.