For Immediate Release
June 14, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacqueline Lara, MWBC
240-305-2133
Maryland Women’s Business Center Announces Inaugural
Step Up for Women Entrepreneurs Online Auction
Call for Unique Products and Experiences from Entrepreneurs and Community
Rockville, MD, June 14, 2016–Today, the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) announced their inaugural Step Up for Women Entrepreneurs Online Auction, which will run from September 23-October 2, 2016. In honor of their fifth anniversary, MWBC set a goal to raise $100,000 by October 6, 2016 to continue providing a variety of business support resources, and roll out new initiatives that meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
Private tastings, custom artwork, and unique services have already been donated by local businesses and entrepreneurs including Denizens Brewing Co., eWomenNetwork, Warrior Women Arise, KampInd, Twin Valley Distillers and Vision Quest Retreats, among others. To step up and donate items, email auction@marylandwbc.org or call 301-315-8091.
The Step Up for Women Entrepreneurs Auction celebrates the incredible women-owned businesses in this region, and will showcase some of the most unique services and once-in-a-lifetime experiences from women-owned businesses, business leaders, and our corporate supporters. Items will be promoted to more than 400,000 potential bidders and donations are tax-deductible.
“We know that women entrepreneurs are playing a vital role in the growth of our economy, yet lag behind their male counterparts in revenue growth and access to financing. With our online auction we seek to raise awareness and additional funds to help support the growth, visibility, and sustainability of our local women entrepreneurs,” said Kiesha Haughton, Managing Director of Maryland Women’s Business Center.
One success story that exemplifies the impact of MWBC’s services is Houri Tamizifar, who after three months of opening her firm, obtained her SBA certification as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and won her first federal contract. View her testimony at: Houri Tamizifar, founder of Cynuria Consulting, LLC.
Over the years, MWBC has helped over 5,000 women entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow women-owned enterprises. Workshops and trainings are now available in Spanish to meet the growing market of Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. Get involved in MWBC’s online auction as a donor or sponsor and support women entrepreneurs #StepUp4MWBC.
About Maryland Women’s Business Center
Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) was established in 2010 as a program of the nonprofit Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) to help people throughout the region start and build successful women-owned enterprises that are positioned for long-term growth. MWBC conducts specialized training, offers individual business counseling, and provides unique resources. Our special initiatives include a Childcare Business Development Program and StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition. www.marylandwbc.org Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About Rockville Economic Development, Inc.
Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership formed in 1997 by the City of Rockville, Maryland to strengthen and broaden the city’s economic base through business entrepreneurship, expansion, retention, and recruitment programs. REDI offers guidance and support to help businesses at all stages of growth launch, locate and expand in Rockville. For more information, contact 301-315-8096 or visit www.RockvilleREDI.org.
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