LCEDC Launches Women in Business Program with WEDC Aid

The Langlade County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) has received financial support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to establish the Langlade County Women in Business Program, a new initiative focused on advancing women-owned businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship across the region.

As indicated by Andrea Gretzinger, Women in Business Manager at LCEDC, the program has been developed in a way that helps to develop entrepreneurial skills through provision of business support, professional training, and networking opportunities to women in the county.

The participants in the program will benefit from various activities such as business training workshops, technical assistance, mentoring, and networking events.

Women in Business Trade Show will take place on November 7 at White Lake, where contestants will have an opportunity to present their companies and take part in the business pitch competition. The winner of the competition will receive $10,000, which will include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third.

Key Highlights:

• Grant-funded program empowers women entrepreneurs with training and mentorship
• Women-owned businesses compete for US$10,000 in pitch contest prizes
• Program offers education, networking, technical support, and business showcase

The initiative is supposed to be launched through a collaborative partnership with the Wisconsin SBDC at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, the Greater White Lake Rural Entrepreneurial Venture Team, and some community-based organizations in the region. With all these partners working together, the initiative is expected to give the entrepreneurs practical knowledge and mentorship on how they can develop their enterprises and benefit from the network in the region.

Andrea underlined that all participating organizations have the same mission regarding promotion of entrepreneurship, growth of small business and improvement of the local economy. Despite the fact that the program has been created especially for women-run businesses, Andrea emphasized that the initiative includes people from all spheres.

Furthermore, Andrea encouraged community-wide involvement in the upcoming Women in Business Trade Show because it was open for all. The purpose of the trade show is not just to demonstrate the women-led businesses but to provide an opportunity to network, collaborate, engage customers, and receive support from the community.

According to Andrea, firms should first meet certain eligibility criteria to participate in the cash award competition under this program. For an enterprise to be eligible, it should be more than 51% women-owned and conduct its operations in Langlade County, thereby helping fund local women entrepreneurs and stimulate local business development.

Andrea also emphasized the importance of participating in the program activities. She mentioned that participants are expected to take part in all four major program areas that include educational workshops on business topics, networking opportunities, technical assistance on one-to-one basis, and the Women in Business Trade Show. This flexible program enables entrepreneurs to adjust their participation and gain valuable experience.

Starting from July onwards, the Women in Business Program will be conducting a full-fledged set of events during the fall season. This way, participants of the program will get an opportunity to avail themselves of business training and education, as well as network with business professionals and technical support experts.