WomanUp & Learn Summit Grand Rapids
Michigan Woman Forward (MWF) empowers women and girls to be leaders, inventors, dreamers and doers. Their women’s entrepreneurship programs, mentorship opportunities and investments break barriers and have opened doors for Michigan female entrepreneurs. The organization has invested over $3.3 million to assist over 200 women start and grow businesses, with over 386 jobs created.
The WomanUp & Learn Summit started 5 years ago and is a half-day conference with a keynote speech which will be delivered by Dr. Portia Lockett, published author, speaker and media personality. Sessions will include an entrepreneur panel and breakouts on branding, marketing, finance, business funding and operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Portia Lockett as our keynote, her story as a teacher, missionary, author and now as a motivational speaker will serve as inspiration for attendees,” said Judy Welch, Executive Director., West Michigan. “WomanUp & Learn further supports our mission to provide technical assistance, education, workshops and more to support all steps of entrepreneurship from ideation to launch to growth.”
Sessions Announced!
Entrepreneurship: The Real Deal!
You don’t have to start out as an expert in order to run a successful business. Many entrepreneurs run into roadblocks, yet they persevere on the path to success. Let these real life success stories inspire you to keep learning and growing.
Panelists:
Tracy Allen, The Oven Mitt
Shannon Cohen, Shannon Cohen, Inc.
Winsome Kirton, Pack Elephant
Paola Mendivil, El Granjero Mexican Grill
Moderator:
Judy Welch, Executive Director, WM
Michigan Women Forward
Social Media Marketing: Organic Posting, Paid Advertising, and the Influencers In-Between (Start-up)
Going viral is no longer the goal of social media; going viral to your core audience of qualified leads is what really matters to your brand. So how do you reach those people in an organic way, with paid targeting, and with influencers? More importantly, how do you track that success?
Presented by Chris Singel, Digital Director
8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications
Financial 5: What to Know When Starting Your Business (Start-up)
Don’t quit your day job…yet. Understand the importance of a business plan, cash flow for your business, your personal score, and how to properly manage your business account.
Presented by Tamara L. Jackson-Gatewood,
Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager, Huntington Bank
Brand & Storytelling (Growth)
Developing your brand is more than a logo. Learn how to develop your brand story, how that story looks and feels, and essential elements to brand including best practices no matter your place in your entrepreneurial journey.
Presented by Kristine Kletke, President
PMSI Marketing Group
Bringing Your Vision to Market (Growth)
We will discuss how to leverage different resources to take your idea to market. In this interactive Q&A session we will cover patents, prototyping, manufacturing and distribution.
Presented by Valerie Obenchain, CEO
Advanced Interactive Response System
Funding Your Business
Explore the various funding sources for start-ups and small business ventures – from crowdfunding and angel investing to traditional bank loans and microlending. Learn what funding resources are available to entrepreneurs.
Panelists:
Karen Benson, Business Development Officer, GROW
Latifa Bradwell, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
Kelli Rose, VP Community Banking, Independent Bank
Moderator:
Julian Darden, Program Director, Michigan Women Forward Entrepreneur Institute
About Dr. Portia Lockett
Dr. Portia Lockett has spent her life teaching and encouraging others. She has experience as a school teacher, speaker, chaplain, missionary, and reality television star, and has been featured on CNN, National Geographic, Radio One, and more. Dr. Lockett has traveled to Japan, Barbados, Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada, Kenya, Jamaica, and Peru for her work. Throughout her career, she has overcome obstacles through the grace of God and self-determination.
About Michigan Women Forward
Michigan Women Forward (MWF), a 501(c)(3) organization, has been devoted to achieving social and economic equality for women and girls in Michigan for more than 34 years. MWF is supported financially and programmatically by many of the state’s top female executives and community volunteers through events like its annual Women of Achievement and Courage Awards and Power of 100 Women donor group. Through philanthropy and high impact initiatives, MWF’s goal is to ensure a brighter future for women throughout the state. For more information, visit www.miwf.org.