Frequently Asked Questions

The Empowering Survivor Entrepreneurs Initiative is a national pilot project led by Ladies Empowered with Resources that equips transitional housing programs to support domestic violence survivors in launching and sustaining small businesses. We provide a replicable, trauma-informed entrepreneurship training model that integrates business education, peer support, financial literacy, and healing-centered approaches.

This initiative is designed for transitional housing providers who serve women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of trauma. It is also for survivors who are rebuilding their lives and want to explore business ownership as a pathway to long-term independence and healing.

The training includes an 8-module curriculum that covers:

• Trauma-informed care and economic empowerment
• Introduction to entrepreneurship
• Business planning and financial literacy
• Legal and compliance basics
• Marketing and digital presence
• Mentorship and support systems
• Measuring impact
• Self-care for advocates

Providers also receive guides, case studies, and real-world examples to use with their clients.

No. The initiative is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Transitional housing programs can access the training materials and resources at no cost during the pilot period.

Training modules will be available on our online learning platform. Transitional housing organizations who are part of the mailing list will receive direct access once registration opens. Each module includes a video, worksheets, discussion prompts, and practical tools that can be used with survivors.

At this stage, training is designed for providers to deliver to the survivors they serve. However, we are working on expanding survivor-facing tools and plan to offer direct access options in the future.

This initiative is trauma-informed and survivor-centered. It integrates healing practices with business strategy. Our approach acknowledges the lived experiences of survivors and provides a safe, supportive framework to help them thrive—not just economically, but emotionally and socially.

Yes. While we provide a structured curriculum, we encourage providers to adapt the tools and examples to reflect the local context, cultural needs, and unique strengths of their communities.

If you are a transitional housing provider serving survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, you likely qualify. Reach out to us at communications@ladiesewr.com to confirm your eligibility or to join our mailing list.

Yes. As a pilot initiative, we value your input. We host monthly peer learning sessions and periodic feedback surveys to help shape the final version of the toolkit that will be released nationally.

Absolutely. While some materials are exclusive to pilot participants, the long-term goal is to create a scalable, replicable model. We encourage sharing within your network—especially with organizations that may benefit from entrepreneurship-based healing and economic empowerment approaches.

The initiative is led by Jennifer Malone, founder of Ladies Empowered with Resources. The curriculum was developed in partnership with advisors, psychologists, business consultants, and financial experts—all with a trauma-informed lens. Meet our team here

Yes. We welcome invitations for virtual or onsite presentations, workshops, and speaking engagements. Please email jennifermalone@ladiesewr.com with your request and event details.

Join our mailing list or register to receive updates about new modules, learning sessions, and national rollout plans.