PHOTOS FROM THE 2019 WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHALLENGE
THE 2019 WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHALLENGE
The WIB Challenge provides female entrepreneurs with the education, tools, and resources needed to scale their businesses towards profitability and sustainability. For nine weeks, ten semi-finalists participated in a comprehensive business education program, received technical assistance and counseling services, and were introduced to various resources to support their growth plans.
The WIB Pitch Challenge will be held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (www.noew.org), presented by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and produced by The Idea Village, on
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 2019
PLACE: New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113,
TIME: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
THE FINALISTS
Leslie Barrow: Southern Comfort Real Estate Services
A full-service property management company offering clients a “One Stop Shop” for their property management needs. Services include: cash for keys, lock work, tree services, evictions, roof repairs, and minor to full scale upgrade renovations.
Charon Flowers Maple: Designum Media Group
A Business-to-Business (B2B) technology company supplying turn-key software solutions based upon the latest technology and utilizing Web-based applications. Utilizing state-of-the-art software, Designum also offers e-commerce solutions, SaaS (Software as a Service) software, mobile app development and a Scan & Go technology platform.
Courtney McWilliams: MaryMac’s Doggy Retreat
A dog daycare and boarding company that specializes in caring for dogs that have anxiety or depression. MMDR follows the Dog Gurus Doggy Daycare Model 2.0 which allows for smaller group play with structured play time, small group play, and one on one attention.
Provides services to women to treat common yet rarely addressed pelvic health disorders in a manner that is accessible, modern, and convenient via a pelvic health physical therapy platform. Clients access services through in-person clinic sessions, virtual sessions, and online exercise programs.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cynthia Bailey is a super model, entrepreneur and reality TV star. Ms. Bailey is the owner of The Bailey Agency School of Fashion, Cynthia Bailey Eyewear, CB Vior and CB Candles. She is also one of the star’s of the Bravo TV network’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
To learn more about Cynthia Bailey, visit www.cynthiabailey.com
CHALLENGE OVERVIEW
The Urban League of Louisiana’s annual Women-In-Business (WIB) Challenge is a 9-Module business accelerator program and pitch competition designed to empower female entrepreneurs with the education, tools, and resources needed to scale their businesses. For nine weeks, selected women business owners will participate in a comprehensive business education program, receive one-on-one technical assistance and counseling services, and be introduced to various resources to support their plans for growth. At the end of the accelerator program, four finalists will be selected to pitch their business plans for chance to win $10,000 in growth capital.
CRITERIA
For consideration into the accelerator program, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be owned and operated by women (51% or more)
- Have at least $25,000 in annual verifiable revenue
- Have been in business (operational) for at least 12 months
- Have a minimum of 2 full-time employees including the owner
In addition, participants must have a business model that is innovative and/or technology-driven, OR, be a traditional business that provides services that support women and girls, OR otherwise demonstrate a positive economic impact in the community. The business should also be scalable with the potential to generate at least $500,000 in revenue within 3-5 years.
QUESTIONS?
Call the Urban League Women’s Business Resource Center at 504-620-9647