WASHINGTON – Next Thursday, March 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host the InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Summit, a national symposium that provides an opportunity for women-owned small business owners to identify opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship, learn about available tools and resources, and make connections to other successful women entrepreneurs. This event will highlight the skills, strategy, outlook, and connections women need to own and run profitable businesses.
To kick off the summit, the SBA will host the final pitch competition of the InnovateHER Business Challenge, a nationwide business competition created to help identify innovative products and services that could better the lives of women and families. Local competitions began in August 2015 and drew nearly 2,000 competitors combined. The top 10 finalists have been invited to travel to Washington, D.C. for a live pitch competition before a panel of expert judges. The judges for the final pitch will be Nely Galan, JJ Ramberg, and Lisa Price. The top three pitches will receive awards totaling $70,000, provided by Microsoft.
Following the pitch competition, The Atlantic, in association with the SBA, will convene a group of entrepreneurs, advocates and innovators to discuss the perennial issues women face in starting and growing businesses. The discussion will try to identify the keys to promoting entrepreneurship and preparing women-led businesses for success.
| WHO: | Maria Contreras-Sweet, SBA Administrator |
| WHAT: | InnovateHER Business Challenge Finals and Atlantic Exchange on Women |
| WHEN: | Thursday, March 17, 2016 1:45 p.m. - InnovateHER Pitch Presentations 3:30 p.m. – Women & Business: An Atlantic Exchange 5:25 p.m. – Winners Announced |
| WHERE: | Gallup Building 901 K Street NW Washington, DC 20004 |
| HOW: | Media can confirm attendance HERE. |
Requests for interviews of Administrator Contreras-Sweet and any other questions can be directed to Miguel.ayala@sba.gov or 202-450-0148.
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Cosponsorship authorization No. 15-6050-169. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.