Thanks to friends, sponsors, and founders...
WEB's 20th anniversary events were a resounding success. At the Women Mean
Bu$ine$$ Conference, our guest speakers energized and inspired us; expert
panelists gave us insight into the latest trends; and guests networked and
connected. Then, at TASTE of Success, our founders reminded us to celebrate
how far we've come in a mere 20 years. Share the spirit of WEB with this
special presentation created for our 20th anniversary.
Graduation 2009: WEB celebrates 150 new business launches
On June 22, family, friends, and supporters celebrated the launch of 150 new businesses at WEB's 2009 Graduation Ceremony. With weeks of classes, business planning, training and mentoring behind them, the graduates bravely set off into one of the most challenging economic environments in decades. And they're poised to help change that environment for the better.
"Entrepreneurship is the real fuel for America's economic engine. And it doesn't cost billions to build a new business – it costs less than $4000 to create a WEB-built business. A business that is built not only to last but creates two jobs. The numbers prove it. WEB knows that these small businesses spend 80% of what they make in their communities where it does the most good," said WEB CEO, Joanne Saltzberg.
WEB graduates have the capacity, not only to change their own lives, but their communities and our economy. So congratulations to our graduates. As Linda Riach, CEO of Oakworks, Inc., said in her graduation address: "May the force be with you and may you be the force!"
"Booming" trend for boomer-age entrepreneurs
In a study recently released by the Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation, researchers suggest that "the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom–not in spite of an aging population but because of it." The study states that, in every single year from 1996 to 2007, Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 had a higher rate of entrepreneurial activity than those aged 20-34 – statistics that run counter to the stereotype of the young dot.com entrepreneur.
At WEB, staffers are already preparing to help women ride that boom with the development of the My Time, My Money program. With start-up funding from Network 2000, the program is aimed at helping boomer women offset their often under-funded retirement savings through entrepreneurship. Contact WEB for more information.
