Women entrepreneurs as diverse as:
•the creator of a salt cave spa near Jay Peak,
•a pipe fitter planning a propane delivery service
•a psychologist in her 70's whose certification is from another state, to gain supervision and licensing in Vermont and free herself from the chaos of substitute teaching,
•the founder of a B&B who just won her permit appeal and is ready to create a website
•a multi-talented home baker
•a small-insect humane farming with product destined for boutique industry and fine dining on the side - this entrepreneur has an alternative project with a business idea to vivify downtown Newport and could use strategic planning and consulting to choose where to put her energies first....
these possible ASPIRANTS! are in the vanguard cohort of women who will be applying for an ASPIRE! award.
ASPIRE! is a first-time USDA grant to engage and empower women entrepreneurs in the Northeast Kingdom. Its awards are rich in opportunities for applicants and panelists for the first tier award of $2,000 for technical assistance, Circle of Support members for successful ASPIRANTS!, pitch judges for the second tier of $5,000 grants.
First Circle of Support member to volunteer is Eleanor Leger, owner of Eden Specialty Ciders. Dena Gray, founder of the Eastside Restaurant, Le Belvedere, and Tavern on the Hill, has stepped forward to be a judge in the second-tier pitch. Community businesses are welcome to partner for any of the processes, including events, grants for applicants' equipment needs, or general fund grants. Thanks to Passumpsic Savings Bank for being a pioneer sponsor.
ASPIRE!"s kickoff will take place on November 30th with a luncheon and speaking program, noon-2, and desserts and coffee from 2-3 for meeting with Amy Robinson, Director of NEKCA's Micro Business Development Project and ASPIRE! Project Manager Diana Henry to take applications of ASPIRANTS! and facilitate intake of volunteers. RSVP by 11/23/16. please to [email protected]
Presenters include some of the most inspiring women in Vermont: Meg Smith, Director of the Vermont Women's Fund and Jane Campbell, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and Tiffany Bluemle, Director of Change The Story VT, who will present the keynote on Change the Story's new status report: "Women's Business Ownership and the Vermont Economy".
NEKCA Aspire has a Facebook page now. Women entrepreneurs! to apply for an award or to volunteer for the Circles of Support, or to help sponsor the process, and all who want to spread the word, are welcome to get in touch to [email protected]
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