Economic Empowerment of Women in Business in Wisconsin to be the Focus for Inaugural Event
Madison – WI – On Tuesday, November 14, 2017, women leaders in tech, business, science, non-profit, and education will come together to celebrate, empower and support each other at Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WEDWisconsin). The conference will be held at Monona Terrace. It is part of a week long celebration culminating in the global recognition of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19th.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) ignites women leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to initiate startups, drive economic expansion, and advance communities worldwide. The flagship United Nations event is live-streamed and celebrated in 144 countries and by 110 universities/colleges internationally. This is the first time the event will happen in Wisconsin.
“I attended WED last year at the United Nations and knew it was something we needed to make happen in Wisconsin. We will be the first state outside of New York to host a day long event but we will be joining women from Kenya to Egypt, all across Europe and around the world helping to eliminate poverty and providing hope and opportunity.” explained Laura Gallagher, WEDWisconsin Ambassador and Chair.
Women in the U.S. are now starting businesses at twice the rate of men. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of women-owned firms increased by 45%, compared to just a 9% increase among all businesses according to American Express Open’s research. Therefore, over the past nine years, the number of women-owned firms has grown at a rate fully five times faster than the national average.
At the WEDWisconsin conference, attendees will:
- Learn from entrepreneurial greats about the triumphs and trials of being a business owner.
- Enjoy high-value content and unique social experiences, with a focus on authentic relationship building.
- Participate in a live “think tank” where entrepreneurs are pulled from the crowd to share a challenge they are facing that is then turned over to the tables to solve.
- Hear real stories about funding.
- Connect with countless other business owners and those who support them.
- Grow as a leader.
- Be inspired.
- Be a part of making history here in Wisconsin.
The WEDWisconsin Advisory board includes women in various fields with diverse backgrounds and experiences. From technology to the sciences, education to social good initiatives, from start-ups to businesses that are expanding, the board is made up of leaders who are familiar with entrepreneurship eco-systems, education and policy creation that will help women in business to thrive.
For more information please visit WEDWisconsin.
About Laura Gallagher, Ambassador and Chairman of the Board for WEDWisconsin
Laura Gallagher is a community, local and national business leader serving successful entrepreneurial companies and nonprofit organizations primarily in Wisconsin. In 2016, she was recognized by the Governor as a Trailblazer in Wisconsin. She is the founder and CEO of The Creative Company and is a 2017 Alumni of Babson College’s 10,000 Businesses Program with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship and a 2016 graduate of Harvard Professor Michael Porter’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City.
The Creative Company is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.
About Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is the world’s largest entrepreneurial and financial empowerment initiative dedicated to celebrating, supporting and empowering women worldwide. WED encourages four billion women worldwide to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, with the goal of bringing hope alleviating poverty.
WED is committed to gathering a think tank of inspiring women leaders who will amplify our message of expanding businesses with social good initiatives in communities around the world.
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News Facts:
- WEDWisconsin is happening on November 14, 2017
- Women in the U.S. are now starting businesses at twice the rate of men.
- Women are now the majority owners of 38% of the country’s businesses, up from 29% in 2007. These firms employ 8% of the nation’s private sector workforce – up from 6% nine years ago – and contribute 4% of the nation’s business revenues, a share that has not changed over the past 20 years.
- nearly eight out of every 10 (79%) net new women-owned firms launched since 2007 has been started by a woman of color.
- *Source for all: American Express Open State of Women Owned Businesses Executive Report