Agenda

9:00 AM Registration & Networking
9:25 AM Welcome
  • Melissa Gruys, Dean, Monte Ahuja College of Business
  • Colette Hart, Senior Director, Centers for Outreach and Engagement, Monte Ahuja College of Business
9:30 AM Special Guest from Show Her the Money
  • Vicky Pasche, Co-Founder, Dapper Boi, Inc.
10:00 AM The Landscape for Women Entrepreneurs

Discuss the current challenges and opportunities that women face when accessing capital.

  • Sarah Barrick, Head of Platform, Sidecut Ventures
  • Shanna Greathouse, Founder & CEO, Pigybak
10:45 AM Break & Visit Vendors
11:00 AM Types of Capital & Funding Options 

Loans: Traditional bank loans, government-backed loans, micro loans; 

Equity Funding: Angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding; 

Grants and Competitions: Government and private grants, pitch competitions; 

Alternative Funding: Bootstrapping, peer-to-peer lending, social impact investing; 

Resources for Women: Highlight organizations that specifically support women entrepreneurs (e.g., Women’s Business Centers, female-focused venture funds). 

  • Facilitator: Colleen Kelly, Interstate Fusion Ventures   
  • Carrie Aguilar, Principal/Founder Innov8 Growth Partners, Power to Pursue, Her Land
  • Camille Heard, Director of High Growth Services, Jumpstart Ventures
  • Dr. Wendy Slone, CEO/Founder bTECH
  • Kate Volzer, Angel Investor, Former CEO of WISR
12 Noon Lunch and Panel
Real-life Success Stories of Women 
Entrepreneurs who Accessed Capital
  • Facilitator: Sarah Barrick, Head of Platform, Sidecut Ventures
  • Destiny Burns, Owner, CLE Urban Winery
  • Tina Chamoun, Owner & Founder, Terranean Spices, Spreads & Snacks
  • Kate Volzer, Angel Investor, Former CEO of WISR
1:15 PM Navigating the Funding Process 
Breakout Sessions

Breakout 1 – Budgeting and Financial Planning Tools: 
What templates or tools can you use to prepare your financial documents 
for capital applications.

  • Shanna Greathouse, Founder & CEO, Pigybak

 

Breakout 2 – Pitching Your Business: 
How to craft a compelling pitch, and present financials to investors or lenders.

  • Carrie Murphy, Entrepreneur in Residence, Encore Venture Labs

 

Breakout 3 – Networking and Leveraging Relationships: 
How to build a support system. Using networks for funding and the 
importance of mentors.

  • Ali King, Director, Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Programs at Jumpstart

 

Breakout 4 – How to Become an Angel Investor: 
Becoming an angel investor is a great way to support early-stage startups and potentially earn a return on investment. Learn more about the role and qualifications required to become an angel funder.

  • Carrie Aguilar, Principal/Founder Innov8 Growth Partners, Power to Pursue, Her Land
2:30 PM Closing Remarks, Raffle, Reception
4:00 PM Adjourn

Mailing Address
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Weston Ideation Lab
2121 Euclid Avenue, BU 308
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

Campus Location
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Weston Ideation Lab
1860 East 18th Street, Room 308
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-687-4750
westonilab@csuohio.edu