Networking Events - Connect with a Potential Teaming Partner

Networking Event: 2017 InnovateHer Challenge Final Pitch Competition and Luncheon was a great way to learn how to pitch your product or service if you are new in the business

As a small business owner, it is necessary to attend at least one networking event each month. To interact with prime contractors and small business owners. This means I will have at least 12 occasions to meet other like-minded individuals, who understand the day-to-day hustle of running a business, not to mention individuals looking to collaborate on a project, or maybe just stuck and need some advice on mapping out direction.

The event really inspired me to never give up on my dreams. It was held on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at approx. from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (EST) at the top of the Town, 1400 N. 14th St., Arlington, Virginia 22209. The Establishment had a wonderful view looking out on the city. The 2017 InnovateHer Challenge Final Pitch Competition and Luncheon event started in early summer with 120 contestants from all over the U.S., but only 10 could move forward to the final event.

We heard 10 phenomenal woman-owned small business owner’s pitch great ideas, but only three out of the 10 women would win the cash prize. It was time to shine, an opportunity to display their skills, as I like to say, their gifts, from innovative technologies for helping breast cancer survivors, to services that provide free childcare to daycare workers and products like natural herbs and spices for children to get them to use to the taste of vegetables.

The Power of Networking

Networking with great Small Business Owners. This event is where I met my first teaming partner which was a key factor in me winning my first sub-consultant project. Which set me on the patch to success. I continue to attend networking events because I never know if the will be my next subcontracting opportunity.

Then, we heard from Keynote speaker Linda McMahon, the new head of the U. S. Small Business Administration, she gave an outstanding and encouraging message to all the finalists and small business owners. She could empathize with the entrepreneurs because she, too, had built her business from scratch and never give up.

Finally, they announced the winners the 1st place winner won $40,000, 2nd place winner won $20,000 and 3rd place winner won $10,000. Having that kind of working capital will definitely help to expand their vision and grow their business. That show you that hard work is truly rewarded. They believed they had something to share with the world.

For more information on when the next completion may be or the competition rules, go to www.sba.gov/innovateHER. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. They deliver millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other assistance. Check out the different programs at SBA.gov.

It is a good idea to subscribe to the SBA newsletter, Eventbrite, and Meetup, to stay up to date with events going on in your area.

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