At CWE, we envision a future where data and evidence drive transformative impact for women entrepreneurs across our entire country. Starting with our own programs in New England, CWE will become a dynamic learning hub at the forefront of women's economic empowerment.

Over the next three years, we will build the internal capacity needed to systematically generate and skillfully use high-quality data and evidence, not only to strengthen the reach and effectiveness of our programs, but also to amplify our impact by sharing knowledge with the broader ecosystem. 

OUR STRATEGY FOR RESEARCH AND LEARNING IS STRUCTURED AROUND FIVE OBJECTIVES:


1. DEVELOP A ROBUST MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK

A Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework lays out the conceptual and methodological roadmap to ensure we can systematically track, assess, and learn from the work we do. It is action-oriented and enables us to monitor our programs and activities effectively, evaluate our programs rigorously, and learn continuously to increase our impact. CWE’s theory of change will serve as a foundation to identify and define key variables of interest that we want to track over time and for which we need to build a measurement strategy. Refining this framework will require better understanding the data needs of our stakeholders, reviewing the literature, consulting with experts, and engaging with staff across the organization.

2. ENHANCE THE ORGANIZATION'S DATA SYSTEMS AND TOOLS

We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing data systems and tools to identify gaps, redundancies, and areas for improvement. Based on this assessment, we will implement necessary upgrades to data systems and tools, integrating advanced functionalities such as real-time analytics. To improve utilization and quality, we will develop training programs and resources to upskill staff in effectively using data systems and tools. We will also establish data quality protocols and validation processes to maintain the accuracy and reliability of information stored in organizational systems.

3. ESTABLISH A LEARNING AGENDA AND ENGAGE EXTERNAL RESEARCH PARTNERS 

We will review the existing body of data and evidence to identify knowledge gaps and priority questions that we want to address over the next three years. These questions have to be relevant to the broader ecosystem of women’s economic empowerment, while at the same time remaining aligned with our strategic priorities. The learning agenda is forward-looking and helps create opportunities to pause, reflect, and review assumptions and approaches to improve program targeting and implementation and to contribute to the broader field. We will co-create this learning agenda together with external research partners so that we can expand the capacity we currently have to lead and implement research. Some examples of learning processes we want to undertake over the next three years include: 

4. CONDUCT DATA COLLECTION AND PRODUCE RELEVANT RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS

Guided by the learning agenda and using both our internal data systems and other data collection tools, we will collect and analyze data to produce useful insights and knowledge. This includes the data collection and analysis work related to a wide range of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities. We will do this in collaboration with our external research partners and use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, depending on the questions we are trying to address. 

5. FOSTER A CULTURE OF CURIOSITY AND LEARNING ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION

The impact and learning department will engage staff across the organization and encourage asking questions, challenging assumptions, creating space for brainstorming and discussion, and keeping an eye out for opportunities for improvement. They will facilitate strategic discussions, support teams as they identify their data and evidence needs and be vigorous advocates in the use of data and evidence to inform strategic decision-making and programmatic design and implementation. We will also work to communicate insights externally with the broader ecosystem, in collaboration with our Policy department. We will strategically share our data and learnings with key stakeholders through working groups, conferences, workshops, and different written materials including publications, reports and policy briefs.

CWE stands at the forefront of an incredible opportunity to uplift women entrepreneurs from underserved communities across the United States, tapping into the potential of data and evidence, which has been vastly overlooked in this sector. Through this strategic initiative, we are ready to merge our extensive programmatic experience with advanced research and learning capabilities, spearheading a transformative shift that will propel women's economic empowerment nationwide. By embracing data-informed decision-making, CWE is dedicated to refining the effectiveness of our programs, ensuring they genuinely address the needs of the women we serve. 

Beyond our organizational borders, we aspire to amplify our impact by sharing knowledge and best practices within the national entrepreneurial landscape. In collaboration with our partners and key stakeholders, CWE aims to unlock success for women entrepreneurs, creating a ripple effect that ultimately unlocks success for all. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, where data, learning, and collaboration pave the way for lasting empowerment and societal change.