Michigan Women's Foundation, an organization dedicated to social and economic equality for Michigan women and girls, is launching a new program for female business owners. The program, PeerSpectives® Roundtables for the Emerging Second Stager, or PRESS, is part of MWF's growing entrepreneur empowerment footprint in West Michigan.
Scheduled to launch in January 2016, PRESS is designed as a monthly forum to connect women business owners with other talented female entrepreneurs to share business challenges and accomplishments as a means to encourage, guide and coach one another. Women interested in participating will be organized into cohorts of eight to 10 individuals from noncompeting industries who, in a confidential setting, will identify and address issues and problems. Through a facilitated process of open dialogue, the women will discover strategies to overcome challenges, gain insight and knowledge, improve decision making, maximize performance and gain confidence to reach the next level of business growth.
PRESS is just one addition to the existing and expanding toolbox of resources Michigan Women's Foundation uses to help support women entrepreneurs in West Michigan. In 2015, MWF launched its Volunteer Network to match up women willing to donate their time and talent to women needing expert guidance in matters related to starting and growing their business. This year also saw the first annual Entrepreneur You conference, a collaborative educational event specifically for women entrepreneurs, and the MWF Business Plan and Pitch competition, which resulted in cash prizes and in-kind legal, accounting and marketing services totaling $53,000 distributed to six up-and-coming female business owners from West Michigan.
From education, to expertise, to funding, the organization is working to eliminate barriers and level the playing field statewide by addressing issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. Kudos and thank you, MWF!
To join a PRESS group, or for more information on Michigan Women's Foundation, visit the MWF website or contact Kris Ridings at 616.930.4196.