There are a couple of local events this week aimed at reaching out to female entrepreneurs—specifically women veterans and low-income women.
On Wednesday, the Women’s Business Council at the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its workshop series with a seminar targeting female veterans and military spouses.
“Is there an interest with women military vets and military spouses,” asked Kinchlow. “And, what we’re finding is the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’”
Kinchlow, chair of the council, says Florida has one of the largest number of women veterans in the nation, and research shows female vets transition to owning their own business well.
“I mean, these are women who are smart, they’re disciplined, they’ve got very unique skillsets,” added Kinchlow. “They’re patient, they know how to persevere, they’ve been trained in ways that civilian populations are not trained.”
Wednesday’s workshop, called “Woman+Veteran+Entrepreneur: A Formula for Small Business Success,” will have different sessions and networking opportunities. It also includes several speakers, including Keynote Speaker Shevonica Howell—a female veteran who founded a new school in Jacksonville.
It’ll start at 5 p.m. at the Tallahassee Community College’s Workforce Development Building. Those interested can still pre-register for the free event at eventbrite.com.
The Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is also hosting a meeting Friday morning. Its Chairman Jessica Lowe-Minor says it links entrepreneurship and low-income women.
“And, we’re trying to basically figure out what resources are currently available in the community, specifically for low-income women who are interested in starting their own business. But, in general, what resources are available to female entrepreneurs, and can we help connect our low-income female population with some of those resources that are already in place,” said Lowe-Minor.
Lowe-Minor says it’s really important to bring together stakeholders—like the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Domi Ventures—to help these women.
“We heard from women and girls in the community that their lack of economic resources had major repercussions in their lives and their ability to access higher education, for example, and their ability to secure health care for themselves and their families, and their ability to secure safe transportation, safe and reliable transportation…And, even in their vulnerability to gender-based violence. And, so, we wanted to make sure that we were focusing on having conversations ways for women—specifically single mothers—to gain access to economic security…so, how can they earn a better living for themselves, and their families…that’s really the question,” she added.
Friday’s meeting will start at 7:30 a.m. at the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida A and M University’s School of Business.
For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.
