Press release:
WESTERN WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER PRESENTS THIRD ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE AT THE US CELLULAR CENTER
ASHEVILLE, NC. (April 25, 2017) — The Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC) opened registration for their Third Annual Conference “Her Story, Her Journey” on June 22 from 8:30am until 3:30pm at the U.S. Cellular Center.
“Her Story, Her Journey” will feature a day of business workshops, music, interactive activities and speakers. The event will open with a performance by Asheville-based artist, Leeda “Lyric” Jones. The conference will also host local business leaders and distinguished speakers. Keynote speakers include owner of Ianodell’s Hat Shop, Sandra Suber; owner of Yukon & Bean, Angie Mattson Stegall; and Selina Delangre, CEO of Selina Naturally, Home of Celtic Sea Salt Brand. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The lead sponsors for the conference are SunTrust Bank and the Small Business Center (SBC) at A-B Tech. The SBC is part of a statewide community college-funded initiative with a vision to support small business and economic development in local communities. For the third year in a row, the WWBC is partnering with the SBC at A-B Tech to put on this local event.
“I am so proud to be a part of the third annual WWBC Conference. This year’s theme, ‘Her Story, Her Journey’ says it all for women entrepreneurs who have embarked on an entrepreneurial venture,” said Sharon Oxendine, WWBC Director. “More than ever before we as women and women entrepreneurs are being called to bring our stories to the forefront and allow others to be inspired, motivated and rejuvenated to continue their journey. We will start with all women participating in a “canoe ride” describing their journey and then on to fantastic diverse and enriching speakers. There will be Zumba and wonderful gifts given away all day. I hope you will join us on this incredible journey for the day!”
“As a program of Carolina Small Business Development Fund, it has been great to be a part of the WWBC’s growth in the western region of the state,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President/CEO of Carolina Small Business Development Fund. “This year, I am excited to see the impact that the conference will have on women entrepreneurs. Not only will it provide them the opportunity to learn new skills to grow their businesses, but we hope it will leave them inspired to continue to work towards building their business dreams.”
Sandra Dennison, the Regional Director of the SBTDC and Katy Gould, Director of the Haywood Community College Small Business Center are co-conveners of the Conference. Other sponsors include the U.S. Cellular Center, Hola Carolina, and City of Asheville.
“It is a true privilege to be a part of the third annual WWBC Conference. Whether one is exploring starting a business or already has a business, this event is energizing and inspirational for all that attend. It is critical that we provide support for female entrepreneurs so they step up to make positive, sustainable change in our communities, societies, and countries. We can help do this by connecting women by storytelling and ‘Her Story, Her Journey’ is the perfect forum to make this happen,” said Jill Sparks, Executive Director of the SBC at A-B Tech.
The conference will host six concurrent workshops covering topics including:
1. Impact: The Path to Business Success
2. Sales Techniques and Presentation for Artists
3. The Art and Power of Storytelling
4. Factors that Can Keep You from Getting a Loan and How to Avoid Them
5. Thinking Outside the Boss
6. Latino in Business Session (in Spanish)For conference registration and information, visit carolinasmallbusiness.org/initiatives/wwbcconference2017/ or call Jasmine Hanks at (828) 633-5065.
About the Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC)
The mission of the WWBC is to provide capital, high quality assistance, and programs that reduce barriers and serve as a catalyst to the success of women entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina. In addition to a monthly networking workshop series, the WWBC also offers business plan development, one-on-one business development counseling, and certification assistance for federal programs and referral support for business services. The WWBC is a program of Carolina Small Business Development Fund. For more information about WWBC, please contact Jasmine Hanks atjhanks@carolinasmallbusiness.org or (828) 633-5065.About A-B Tech
One of 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, A-B Tech offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in more than 60 curriculum programs through its five academic divisions: Allied Health and Public Service Education, Arts and Sciences, Business and Hospitality Education, Emergency Services and Engineering and Applied Technology. The Division of Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education offers opportunities for workforce partnerships, specific job training and retraining, as well as personal enrichment classes. A-B Tech enrolls more than 25,000 curriculum and continuing education students in programs at its Asheville, Enka, Madison, South, Woodfin and Goodwill locations.
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