Aon launches program to empower results for women-led businesses

Aon has partnered with Springboard Enterprises, a leading investor network dedicated to building high-growth women-led businesses, to launch the Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) program. The EIR program will help women-led startups build and establish their companies by pairing their leaders with mentors.

“Aon’s commitment to inclusion is not limited to our colleagues, it also includes our clients and communities we serve,” said Nichole Barnes Marshall, Aon’s global head of diversity and inclusion. “The EIR program is an extension of our passion for enabling inclusiveness in the workplace and the marketplace, and we are thrilled that our partnership with Springboard enables more women to not only survive but thrive in their growing businesses.”

Australia-based Switch Automation, a provider of building automation and energy management solutions, and Canada-based Plum.io, a human resources solution that seeks to improve a company’s hiring efficiency, have been selected to participate in the program for 2014.

“We are extremely excited to be part of this initiative and to leverage the breadth and experience of Aon to assist Switch in our global growth strategy,” said Deborah Noller, CEO of Switch Automation. “Aon is seeking EIR companies that have a strong alignment with their own business and Switch fits very neatly. Both companies see the potential to deliver business opportunities to each other so it is a mutually beneficial and collaborative relationship.”

“Labor is one of the largest expenses an organization faces and Aon and Plum.io are dedicated to deploying the most effective people management tools,” said Caitlin MacGregor, CEO of Plum.io. “Our engagement with Aon is a boon to our organizations as we work together to test new technologies for online pre-employment screening for large and small enterprises to ensure the right candidates are hired and productivity boosted.”

Switch Automation CEO, Deborah Noller, will be mentored by Kevin Kalinich, Aon Risk Solutions’ global practice leader of cyber insurance. Plum.io CEO and Co-Founder, Caitlin MacGregor, will be mentored by Beatrice Grech-Cumbo, Aon Hewitt partner and talent practice leader.