SelectUSA 2024 Preparation with Christine Rafiekian, SelectUSA’s Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT)
April 18, 2024Bill Kenney: Welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly! Today, we’re diving into SelectUSA Investment Summit preparation, joined by the wonderful Christine Rafiekian from SelectUSA’s Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT). Welcome, Christine, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Christine Rafiekian: Thank you so much, Bill. I’m thrilled to be here with you.
Bill Kenney: You have an interesting way of pronouncing SGWIT, could you clarify?
Christine Rafiekian: Absolutely. We call it “SGWIT.”
Meet the Resources SelectUSA Investment Summit
About Select Global Women in Tech
Bill Kenney: SGWIT it is then! Let’s start by delving into the SGWIT program. How does it support women seeking to bring their companies into the US within the SelectUSA framework?
Christine Rafiekian: The SGWIT program, short for Select Global Women in Tech, aims to bolster American competitiveness and technology leadership by attracting talented women leaders in emerging technology sectors. Under the SelectUSA umbrella, we offer year-round services tailored to support tech startups in their US expansion efforts. This includes geographically neutral data and counseling services, connections to federal agencies and economic development organizations, access to a mentorship network for women, and networking opportunities both at the SelectUSA Investment Summit and through year-round programming.
Bill Kenney: Fascinating. Is there a particular profile of a company that benefits most from the SGWIT program?
Christine Rafiekian: Absolutely. Our SelectUSA tech startups are typically headquartered outside the US, developing innovative technology products or services, and aiming to enter the US market within the next two to three years. Additionally, they meet specific criteria related to their age, employee count, or annual revenue, which defines our startup support range from idea to growth stage.
Getting the Most out of SelectUSA and SGWIT
Bill Kenney: Impressive. For companies attending SelectUSA, maximizing the benefits of SGWIT and other resources is crucial. How can they make the most out of their time and involvement?
Christine Rafiekian: At the SelectUSA Investment Summit, tech startups can utilize the SelectUSA Tech Pavilion to showcase their offerings and network with ecosystem representatives. We also offer Investment Academy sessions, industry pitching opportunities, and specialized networking events. Moreover, participants in the SGWIT Mentorship Network gain access to exclusive resources, including experienced mentors, educational content, and networking platforms, both at the summit and throughout the year.
Bill Kenney: That sounds like a wealth of opportunities. Finally, what are the costs associated with participating in SGWIT and SelectUSA?
Christine Rafiekian: Eligible early-stage tech startups can benefit from discounted registration to the Investment Summit. For those joining the Mentorship Network, there’s no additional cost beyond the summit registration fee. For specific rates and details, the Investment Summit website is the best resource.
Bill Kenney: Fantastic. Christine, thank you for sharing these insights. It’s evident that SGWIT plays a vital role in supporting tech startups, and I look forward to seeing its continued success.
Christine Rafiekian: Thank you, Bill. We’re grateful for the support of our startup ecosystem members like yourself, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
Bill Kenney: Until next time!
Christine Rafiekian: Indeed, see you then.
Bill Kenney: Thanks.
Select Global Women in Tech Summary Points:
- The SGWIT program under Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT) supports women leaders in emerging technology sectors, aiming to enhance American competitiveness and technology leadership.
- SelectUSA tech startups, meeting specific criteria, receive support ranging from ideation to growth stage, including access to mentorship networks, counseling services, and networking opportunities.
- SGWIT participants attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit can leverage various resources, such as the Tech Pavilion, Investment Academy sessions, and exclusive networking events, with discounted registration available for eligible startups.
About MEET
MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.
Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure“
SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC
https://www.selectusasummit.us/
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Christine Rafiekian, christine.rafiekian@trade.gov SelectUSA’s SGWIT application (must apply by 17 May 2024) https://www.selectusasummit.us/Applications/Investment-Summit-Application
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Feel free to contact us with any questions
Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com
MEET, http://meetroi.com/