For Immediate Release                                                                                    CONTACT: Jacqueline Lara, MWBC

September, 1,  2016                                                                                            jacqueline@marylandwbc.org, 240-305-2133

Maryland Women’s Business Center to Host Awards Luncheon and Silent Auction to Culminate Fifth Anniversary

Miko Branch of Miss Jessie’s will Keynote Event; Call for Awards Nominations

Rockville, MD, September, 1, 2016–On October 6, Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) will host an Awards Luncheon and Silent Auction at Lakewood Country Club from 11:00 am -2:30pm. The keynote speaker will be Author and Co-Founder of Miss Jessie’s, Miko Branch, discussing how she built a national brand and multi-million dollar hair-care empire.

“I love sharing the Miss Jessie’s story to inspire other women to start their own businesses. I want ladies to know all of your failures are your stepping stones. Pay attention to them. This way, the next time around you won’t do it that way again. That’s how Titi and I built our business,” said Miko Branch, Co-Founder of Miss Jessie’s.

This is the final event culminating MWBC’s Five Year Anniversary, and will spotlight client achievements, volunteers, partners, and the business community. MWBC clients and MD-based women entrepreneurs are encouraged to nominate themselves or fellow businesses for one of seven awards. Nominations and complete applications are now extended to be due September 16, 2016 at 12 pm EDT.

“The MWBC is excited to celebrate the achievements of the phenomenal women entrepreneurs in Maryland that are having a significant impact on their community,” said Kiesha Haughton, Managing Director of the MWBC. “Our goal is to empower women by highlighting their accomplishments, so others can also be inspired to follow their dreams of entrepreneurship and unleash their true economic potential.”

Registration is $50, and includes lunch, invaluable networking, a silent auction, awards presentation, book signing with Miko Branch, and a special goodie bag. Sponsors include: WSSC, EagleBank, Miss Jessie’s, Women Empowerment Project, Inc. and media sponsors mater mea, Women’s Business Report, and SANATA International Magazine.

Over the years, MWBC has helped nearly 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.

The public can get involved in MWBC’s fifth anniversary celebration by attending the event, buying a copy of Miko Branch’s book, “Miss Jessie’s: Building a Business from Scratch-Naturally,” following the fifth anniversary hashtag #MWBC5, and participating in the Step Up for Women Entrepreneurs auction.

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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