Mercy Connections’ Women’s Small Business Program celebrated its 25th year at Main Street Landing on Thursday night. The Women’s Small Business Program (WSBP) started in 1989 as a collaborative effort between Trinity College and the City of Burlington’s Community Economic Development Office (CEDO) under the leadership of Sister Janice Ryan, President of Trinity College and Dr. Peggy Williams, Chair of the Business Department, then Mayor of Burlington Peter Clavelle, and CEDO staff Martha Whitney and Bruce Seifer.
More than 100 WSBP students, former and current faculty and staff, presenters, reviewers, advisors, program mentors, supporters and collaborators gathered for the WSBP 25th Anniversary Reunion on June 5 at Main Street Landing Lake & College Building in Burlington. The room was full of celebratory storytelling, entrepreneurial idea sharing, and reconnection. Mercy Connections’ Executive Director, Dolly Fleming, offered welcoming remarks and founding leaders, Sister Janice Ryan, Martha Whitney and Diana Carminati offered reflections of the program through the years. The Director of the Women’s Small Business Program, Gwen Pokalo, thanked the expansive community of volunteers, partnering organizations and businesses who have offered their support over the years and past and present students shared their success stories and appreciation for WSBP.
Pokalo says, “There’s still plenty of work to do in helping women make informed decisions about business. This event is a kick-off to the initiative of reengaging the impressive alum network so WSBP can continue to support women in business in Vermont. We’re looking forward to the next 25 years!” The Women’s Small Business Program would like to thank its many generous sponsors and supporters who helped to make this event possible.