financial-planning-womanThe Western Women’s Business Center at The Support Center (WWBC), in partnership with Mountain BizWorks (MBW), and the A-B Tech Small Business Center, are hosting a nationwide competition aimed at uncovering innovative products and services that empower the lives of women and families.

The InnovateHER Challenge and competition will take place November 10 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are honored to partner with the SBA and bring this initiative to women entrepreneurs of Western North Carolina,” said Sharon Oxendine, WWBC Director.

“The WWBC at The Support Center continues to support women entrepreneurs with training, one-on-one counseling and lending. We will work with our partners in this area to support this initiative and allow women entrepreneurs the opportunity to be recognized for their creative talent and skills.”

Selected participants will present a product or idea, along with a business plan, to the WWBC and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. The WWBC will select one person who will advance to the semi-final round of the Challenge. The WWBC will then submit a winner to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the final round. The SBA will select 10 finalists from all host organizations, whose products or services best satisfy the Challenge criteria.

“The SBA’s InnovateHER Challenge will further increase awareness and access to funding for women. Their success not only means more jobs and economic development in our area, but women business owners also enhance our quality of life. We are proud to be a catalyst in their success,” noted Zuri Anuel, MBW Small Business Lender.

For more information about the InnovateHER Challenge, please visit
www.sba.gov/innovateher