Office Depot sponsors virtual startup program for women

Office Depot is partnering with digital education platform Brit + Co to present an online course for prospective female entrepreneurs.

The office products retailer will be the exclusive sponsor of Selfmade, a new 10-week virtual startup school for women. The course is hosted by Brit + Co co-founders Brit Morin and Anjelika Temple, and includes personalized skill development designed to enable each student to start or grow her own business.

Features of the program include over 15 hours of live instruction in all facets of how to start a company, one-to-one coaching and group chats, and customizable templates for P&Ls, pitch decks, marketing assets, and other business materials.

Office Depot’s sponsorship will enable the course to be offered free for up to 200 women, focusing on women of color, from underserved and underrepresented communities, and in need of support. As part of the curriculum, students will also hear from other notable female business figures, including Bozoma Saint John (CMO of Netflix), Julia Hartz (founder and CEO of Eventbrite), Tina Sharkey (former founder and CEO of Brandless), and Joy Cho (founder and CEO of Oh Joy).

“With unemployment at record highs and mental health at record lows, Selfmade just seemed like the right thing to do at this moment,” said Brit Morin, founder and CEO of Brit + Co. “Knowing the tools, expertise, and network at our disposal, we couldn’t sit around and watch so many women miss the opportunity to change their lives and make money on their own terms.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Brit + Co to help entrepreneurs start and grow their business,” said Gerry Smith, CEO for Office Depot and The ODP Corp. “With the new tools and skillsets learned, as well as inspiration from some of the most successful women in business, we hope the students complete the program feeling empowered to build the business of their dreams.”

Selfmade registration is currently open and class will begin Monday, Oct. 5. For more information, visit TrySelfmade.com/scholarships.