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Women’s Entrepreneurial Network Resources

A component of the Connect Inclusive Program is the inclusion in the Women’s Entrepreneurial Network, which aligns with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Elevate Women’s Network, to bring together female leaders who have launched or who currently run their own small businesses, to encourage mentorship, networking, and education.

Connect Inclusive logo

The Connect Inclusive program (CIP) was created to address systemic and historical barriers to entrepreneurship and business growth that individuals from minority communities experience, by providing accessible and inclusive resources specifically tailored to their needs, providing them with all stages of education and technical resources to start-up or continue to grow their business.

This program was made possible through funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Click Here to Learn More About Connect Inclusive

Women's Entrepreneurial Resources:

DCED Business Resources:

In Pennsylvania, DCED recognizes the contributions of our more than 300,000 women-owned businesses that call our state home. For those looking to start your own business in PA, they have put together a list of go-to resources for our female entrepreneurs. Whether it’s becoming certified as a small diverse business, applying for funding, finding business mentors, or contracting with government agencies, Pennsylvania can help its women-owned businesses build a bright future for themselves and their families, ensure their neighborhoods are vibrant places to live and work, and contribute to our thriving economy. 

More Information: 6 Go-To Resources for PA Women-Owned Businesses in 2022 | PA Department of Community & Economic Development

NEPA PTAC:

NEPA PTAC helps businesses to be able to sell their products and/or services to federal/state/local government agencies and their primes. In addition to the basic registrations to sell to the Federal Government and the Commonwealth, the PTAC Team helps Veteran Owned Small Businesses become certified which opens set-aside solicitation opportunities. They have several successful Veteran Owned Businesses in the region and Luzerne County.

Contact:

Wilkes University Small Business Development Center:

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to helping you start and grow your business. We provide training, confidential consulting and market and industry research to help aspiring and existing small businesses make sound decisions for successful operations.

Contact:

The Junior League of Wilkes Barre:

An organization of women in the Wilkes Barre, PA area committed to promoting volunteerism, the potential of women, and building better communities.

Address: 19 East South Street, Suite 3, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701

Contact: (570) 824-2991, juniorleaguewb@gmail.com

NEPA SCORE:

SCORE remains dedicated to its mission of fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, they have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.

Contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration:

The SBA helps women entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. Connect with the training and funding opportunities specifically for women.

Contact: Phone: 610-382-3062 & Website: Women-owned businesses (sba.gov)

WomensNet Resource Center:

Beyond awarding women’s business grants, they are a community of entrepreneurial women who create unique content and reports to help other women business owners. On occasion, they even consult or give personalized business advice to our community members.

More Information: WomensNet Resource Center - WomensNet | Grants for Women in Business | Small Business Grants (ambergrantsforwomen.com)

Financial Resources:

Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce's Women’s Empowerment Grant Fund:

This fund was established to encourage women to pursue training or education that will help them start or advance a career.

The target of the grant is women who are currently working and want to advance in their career through education or training; are returning to the workforce; are seeking to change their current career path and pursue something more in line with their interests or passions. The grant is also intended to be available to those who would not necessarily have access to scholarships or grants. They recognize their grant recipients at their annual business & community awards which is held in October.

Contact:

MetroAction Loan Program:

MetroAction is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to providing small business loans and business development assistance throughout northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA).

Contact:

SPARK Wilkes-Barre Grant Program: 

The Spark Wilkes-Barre is a grant program available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, or relocating businesses that can be used towards rent in year one of a lease at an approved location within the City of Wilkes-Barre, as well as reimbursable parking fees. There are three tiers of funding available, depending upon where you are in your business lifecycle, and how many employees you currently have. The business applying for grant funding must be located in the City of Wilkes-Barre to be eligible for funding. 

Contact:

WomensNet -  Amber Grants

In 1998, WomensNet gave their first Amber Grant in honor of 19-year old Amber Wigdahl, who died before fulfilling her business dreams. Today, they award two $10,000 Amber Grant each month. And two of our 24 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant.

Website: The Amber Grant | Grants for Women in Business | WomensNet (ambergrantsforwomen.com)

Women Who Tech Grants

Women Who Tech is a nonprofit organization building a culture and inclusive economy to accelerate women tech entrepreneurs and close the funding gap. 

Website: Grants Program | Women Who Tech

Women’s Events & Programs:

31 Days31 Days of Women in Power Campaign - The 31 Days of Women In Power benefit the women served by Dress For Success Luzerne County. This campaign is in partnership with the Greater Wyoming Valley Women's Network and Dress For Success Luzerne County. This campaign honors Women’s History Month & International Women’s Day by highlighting these incredible women throughout our local community throughout the entire month of March. The various donation levels provide a tangible benefit to women through the services provided by Dress For Success Luzerne County. All of the dollars raised will go to Dress For Success Luzerne County to directly impact the lives of the women who need our support most. Check out our Chamber calendar for updates on this event. 

Amplify logoAmplify Leadership - A premier women’s leadership certificate program offering cutting-edge leadership development, high-level networking opportunities, and a dynamic series of speakers who will address the unique needs of women in the workforce. Amplify is a powerhouse collaboration between Leadership Northeast, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Elevate Women’s Network, and Dr. Christine Kiesinger of CEK Communication. If you would like to be considered for a future class of Amplify, please contact the Leadership Northeast office at (570) 270-5323 or info@leadershipnortheast.org, or visit the Amplify web page. 

 Athena Panel LunchAthena® Panel Luncheon - This event is an educational and interactive discussion from our area's most inspiring women. The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber's Women's Network hosts an annual ATHENA™ Panel Luncheon! Our panel of past ATHENA honorees will discuss topics from career advice to professional advancement. The Athena Panel Luncheon will be held in Summer 2023. Check out our Chamber calendar for updates on this event.

Empower Women's ConferenceEMPOWER Conference - The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce's regional EMPOWER event is the premier Women’s Leadership Conference in NEPA and highlights the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and in their own lives – both professionally and personally – while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. The EMPOWER Conference will be held on Thursday, April 13th, 2023. Visit the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce website for updates on this event. 

Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women's Network - This network has bi-monthly women’s networking luncheons with information guest speakers; they host an annual vendor Ladies Night Out event which provides an opportunity for business to promote their ware and services and it is an evening of networking, relaxing, shopping & self-indulgence; they have an annual tree decorating contest to celebrate the holiday season and then recognize all participants and winners at networking mixer event. Proceeds from all their events support the Annual Women’s Empowerment Grant fund. This fund was established to encourage women to pursue training or education that will help them start or advance a career. Learn more on their website. 

Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network - The Women’s Network exists to encourage and empower women in Greater Pittston to create heartfelt, meaningful relationships with one another that will in turn strengthen our community. They also focus on helping our members market and promote who they are and what they have to offer. Learn more at their website. 

Greater Scranton Chamber's Women In Business Program - The Chamber’s Women in Business program seeks to bring our region’s women together to share experiences, expertise, and excitement, all while further developing skills that will serve both their personal and professional lives. Learn more on their website. 

Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber's Elevate Women's Council -The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Women’s Council empowers female professionals in the Greater Wyoming Valley area, provides opportunities to share information on topics and issues of importance, develops networking and mentorship opportunities, and gives back to the local community. In 2019, the group gave nearly $5,000 back to local nonprofits. The Women’s Council organizes events like the International Women’s Day Luncheon, Athena Panel Luncheon®, and partners on events like the Empower Leadership Conference and the Wyoming Valley Connect Spotlight Women’s Entrepreneurial Series. Learn more on our Council page. 

International Women;s Day LunchInternational Women’s Day Lunch - This event is in collaboration with Dress for Success of Luzerne County and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Women's Network on International Women's Day each year. This luncheon is an amazing opportunity to connect with other incredible women in our region and hear from a keynote speaker who is empowering women every day. The International Women’s Day Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 3rd, 2023. Check out our Chamber calendar for updates on this event. 

Pennsylvania Conference for Women - The Pennsylvania Conference for Women is a non-profit, non-partisan, professional and personal development event for women that features renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, executive leadership, small business and entrepreneurship, work/life balance, branding and social media marketing, and more. Since the first Conference in 2004, this annual event has grown to attract 10,000+ attendees and truly impact lives. The Conference offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth. Learn more on their website! 

Women’s Business League - Pennsylvania Chapters - The inspiring leaders of the Pennsylvania chapters aim to foster a supportive network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders eager to elevate their businesses. Membership includes rich educational opportunities, including monthly power hours and quarterly accelerators. You'll also gain exclusive access to monthly national community calls, members-only forums, and private community groups. Learn more here!

Women's Network SpotlightWomen's Network Spotlight - Spotlight is a Wilkes-Barre Connect program sponsored by Penn State Wilkes-Barre, through the Invent Penn State initiative. Once a year, Spotlight collaborates with the Greater Wyoming Valley Elevate Women's Network to highlight some of our area's incredible women entrepreneurs. The Spotlight program features quarterly events that provide an opportunity for industry leaders and entrepreneurs in NEPA to meet, discuss and identify potential partnerships. Each event features a fifteen-minute presentation from an entrepreneur with regional ties, as well as shorter spotlights featuring local entrepreneurs, students, and nonprofits. To view recordings of our past Spotlight events and be notified of upcoming ones, visit our Spotlight page.

Click Here to Learn More About the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Women's Council

Women’s Awards:

Athena Award Photo 2022Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber's Athena® Leadership Award - This honor is presented to a woman who has attained and personifies the highest level of professional excellence in her community in a meaningful way, and most importantly, has generally assisted women in attaining their full potential. Each year, the Athena Leadership Award is presented at the Athena Panel Luncheon. Our upcoming Athena Panel Luncheon will be held in Summer 2023. 

Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal's "Top 25 Women in Business" - The Business Journal honors 25 Women in Business in our region every March. These professionals are a diverse cross-section of innovative leaders, high-profile decision-makers and company executives. They are improving their community, mentoring future business leaders, raising families and encouraging other women to take the lead. This is awarded each March, and more information can be found at biz570.com.

Times Leader Media Group's Distinctive Women Series - The Times Leader highlights amazing women who are impacting their communities, including entrepreneurs, stars in technology, healthcare, education, real estate, nonprofits, government, finance, etc. in this special publications and award ceremony each Spring. Look out for more information on their website, https://www.timesleader.com/.

Young Professionals Awards Women’s Leadership Award by Athena® International - This honor is presented to a young professional woman who is working toward the highest level of professional excellence in her community in a meaningful way, and most importantly, has generally assisted women in attaining their full potential. Each year, the Young Professionals Women’s Leadership Award by Athena International is presented at the Young Professional Awards, led by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce along with our regional chamber partners. 

Women's Resources:

Dress for Success Luzerne County: 

Empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

Address: 38 West Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Contact: Linda Loop-Armstrong, (570) 270-4949, LuzerneCounty@DressforSuccess.org

Family Service Association:

Provides diverse services to children, individuals, seniors, and families, empowering them to achieve their full potential through building healthier relationships and stronger communities.

Address: 31 West Market St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Contact: (570) 823-5144, families@fsanepa.org

Maternal & Family Health Services:

Addresses the health and nutrition needs of NEPA’s women, children, and families with information, education, and quality care by providing essential and innovative programming that improves the quality of life, such as nutrition, reproductive health, nurse-family partnership, and pregnancy care.

Address: 15 Public Square #600, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Contact: 570-826-1777, mfhs.org/

Ruth’s Place Women’s Shelter:

Provides shelter, onsite case management and employment development services, and group workshops for women experiencing homelessness.

Address: 425 N Pennsylvania Ave, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702

Contact: (570) 822-6817, voapa.org/ruths-place

Victims Resource Center:

Provides a comprehensive range of services to meet the special needs of victims of all crimes including, but not limited to abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence.

Address: 360 East End Centre, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Contact: (570) 823-0765, vrcnepa.org/

Women’s Resource Center of NEPA:

Provides comprehensive services for female and male victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Services include a crisis hotline, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, safe housing, legal services, support services, community education, and advocacy.

Contact: (570) 346-4671 or 1 (800) 257-5765, wrcnepa.org/

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