By Karen Axelton

Rieva Lesonsky recently blogged on SmallBizDaily about whether more women are becoming serial entrepreneurs. Now the Kauffman Foundation is stepping up to help more women do just that.

The foundation recently announced it’s making a $500,000 grant to Astia, a business accelerator that works with women-led startups. Both organizations plan to work together to increase the participation of women in high-growth entrepreneurship.

“Our commitment to Astia is to ensure that women are encouraged to participate in entrepreneurial endeavors and given the tools to succeed, which is essential to our national economy,” said Lesa Mitchell, vice president of advancing innovation at the Kauffman Foundation, in announcing the grant.

The funding will be used to expand the reach of the Astia Doing It Right program for entrepreneurs. The comprehensive program—designed by entrepreneurs—starts with six days of panels and workshops conducted by serial entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts, followed by two months of personalized advice from industry experts.

Once they complete the program, participating companies can join the Astia community permanently and have ongoing access to its expert advice and networks.

Currently Doing It Right is offered in Silicon Valley, New York, London and Bangalore. For more information about the program or to apply, visit the Astia website.