Helping self-starters succeed with skills in business and IT

For aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages, business and IT skills are a must have. HP LIFE gets them the training they need to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality.

HP LIFE has helped create an estimated 12,800 businesses and 24,600 jobs in more than 48 countries.
 

There are many business training programs for entrepreneurs, and also many programs that train on the use of IT. HP has a unique program that combines both to enhance IT as a tool for business growth.

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program for training students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners to harness the power of IT to establish and grow their business, helping them build successful companies and create jobs. HP LIFE builds on a long tradition of HP assistance for entrepreneurship support activity.

HP LIFE combines face-to-face training and online tools to address the educational needs of students, regardless of their backgrounds, locations, or circumstances. This innovative training approach uses online tools and serious games, as well as the traditional classroom approach, and gives students access to training virtually anywhere.

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As a global program, HP LIFE thrives on collaboration. HP works with more than 300 organizations, including MEA-I (Micro-Enterprise Acceleration Institute), EDC (Education Development Center), ORT, and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development), to deliver training in 47 countries.

HP LIFE reached approximately 500,000 entrepreneurs between 2007 and 2010—and we're aiming even higher in the years ahead.

Those efforts have yielded real results: By the end of 2010, HP LIFE has helped create more than 20,000 jobs and more than 6,000 businesses. Our goal is to reach 1 million students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners by the end of 2011.

For these milestones, HP LIFE was recognized at the launch of the White House's new entrepreneurship initiative, Startup America, and its private sector alliance, The Startup America Partnership. Learn more about the administration's efforts and our role in this effort at HP Startup Central.

About eligibility

Organizations may participate in HP LIFE by invitation through an annual Request for Proposal process. Please visit the appropriate regional site listed below to register your interest.

PROGRAMS IN ACTION

Homemade Success in India

Vanajakshi Ravindra Lokhande and her family were struggling to survive on two dollars a day. Starting her own business was just a far-off dream.

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Bridge Farm in Nigeria

Rachel Odii is finally optimistic. Not so long ago, she was discouraged about the future. Today, with help from the HP LIFE program, the 33-year-old Nigerian owns her own farm, and a growing business.

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Herbal Remedy Business in China

After over a year of job hunting, 47-year-old Xiao Shengzhang saw no opportunities on the horizon. To make ends meet, he began growing and selling herbal remedies in his village.

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Clothing Store in China

Living in Funing County in China's Jiangsu Province, Wang Jing dreamed of leaving her low-paying job and opening a clothing store of her own. But like many aspiring entrepreneurs, the 27-year-old didn't know where to start.

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Small Organic Business Owner in California

Nasim Hashemi took business and marketing classes through the HP LIFE program to grow her food delivery service company.

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Rice Farm in Nigeria

In Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Oke John Ogbonnaya combined advanced growing practices with innovative business strategies from HP LIFE to create a modern rice farm.

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