Women in Entrepreneurship annual event back with new format

NEWS RELEASE

INNOVATE MARQUETTE

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MARQUETTE, Mich. – Innovate Marquette is excited to announce Women in Entrepreneurship returns on Thursday, May 16. The annual event is dedicated to celebrating and empowering female founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Whether a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, the event offers valuable resources and networking opportunities. Women in Entrepreneurship is free and open to the public. Registration is required; space is limited.

Programming for the event is expanding this year to feature three sessions in a “choose your own adventure” format. Attendees will have the chance to register for one, two, or all three sessions.

“Having a dedicated space for women to come together to share experiences, learn, and lean on each other is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Aubry Healy, Innovate Marquette Marketing Manager. “Whether you’re a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, student, or simply want to support and empower women in your community, this free event is for you. There are no qualifications for supporting each other, and we want to encourage anyone to attend, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or purely entertaining the idea of starting your own business.”

• Coffee & Conversation: The Power of Imperfection with Lane Clark
• Lunch & Learn: Small Business Resources with Vicki Schwab
• Evening Keynote: Georgia Grace Edwards, Co-Founder & CEO of Gnara
• Presque Isle Pavilion

Join us for a morning session starting with coffee and networking starting at 8:30 a.m. with the session from 9-10 a.m. 

 Attendees will connect with fellow women in our community and engage in a guided conversation led by Lane Clark, Founder of Lane Clark Consulting and Knot Work Studio. Lane is an ally for entrepreneurs navigating the modern business landscape. With a background in social work and years of experience supporting business owners, Lane brings a unique blend of empathy and strategic insight to her work. She understands the challenges women face in the business world and is here to provide a safe space for honest dialogue.

The session will delve into topics such as combating burnout by embracing imperfectionism, fostering a sense of community, and creating boundaries. Attendees can expect to build connections and support one another on their entrepreneurial journeys. Coffee and tea will be provided. Registration for the free session is required and space is limited.

• Lunch & Learn: Small Business Resources with Vicki Schwab
• Northern Center, Northern Michigan University

Vicki Schwab, Managing Director, Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), will share resources for small business owners during a lunch & learn at the Northern Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University from 12-1 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 AM.

Lunch will be provided. Registration for the free session is required and space is limited.

• Evening Keynote: Georgia Grace Edwards, Co-Founder & CEO of Gnara
• Northern Center, Northern Michigan University

Join us for cocktails, networking, and a keynote presentation with Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara, at the Northern Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University from 5-7 p.m.. Cocktails and networking start at 5 p.m., with the keynote presentation starting at 6 p.m.

Georgia Grace (GG) Edwards is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gnara (formerly SheFly), a venture capital-backed, Colorado-based startup whose mission is to help everyone answer nature’s call – quite literally. GG got the idea for the GoFly – Gnara’s internationally patented zipper technology – while working as one of few female glacier guides in Alaska. Prototyped from her Middlebury College dorm room in Vermont, the GoFly can now be found in Gnara apparel online, on the floors of the largest retailers in North America, including Moosejaw Mountaineering, Title Nine, Public Lands, and REI, and soon, as a licensed feature in other brands’ products. Gnara and their line of Go There products have won back-to-back Outdoor Retailer Awards, as well as Top Product Awards and recognition by Women’s Health, CNN, USA Today, GearJunkie, the U.S. Senate, Forbes, Blister, Outside Business Journal, and more. GG brings experience as a former Fulbright Fellow, Wild Gift Fellow, Futurist Project Fellow, economic consultant, and TEDxTalk speaker.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served during cocktail hour and each guest will receive one complimentary drink ticket. Registration for the free session is required and space is limited.

All three sessions are free and open to the public. Attendees can participate in all or some of the sessions, though registration is required. Register for Women in Entrepreneurship at innovatemarquette.org/events.

Women in Entrepreneurship is proudly sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Dead River Coffee, and Zonta Club of the Marquette Area, with support from the City of Marquette.

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