SU to link women with star entrepreneurs at April 14 event

SU to link women with star entrepreneurs at April 14 eventMarch 08, 2005Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

On April 14, hundreds of aspiring female entrepreneurs will come together at the Oncenter in Syracuse to learn from-and network with-a select group of role models, stars and experts in the field of business. More than 35 noted entrepreneurs, investors, small business experts and educators will share their experiences, ideas and tactics as part of the third annual Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) Conference, to be held from 7:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University has organized the event, which is aimed at women who are currently entrepreneurs or are interested in starting businesses. The day’s agenda includes speakers, panels and breakout sessions on topics including guerilla marketing, SBA loans, accounting, non-profit ventures, the Internet as an aid, building a board of directors, creating a business plan, family-owned businesses and business certifications.

The keynote address will be delivered by Myra Hart, co-founder of Staples and holder of a Harvard University Ph.D. Hart, whose research and teaching focuses on founding and leadership of high-potential ventures, will be just one of the successful female entrepreneurs with whom conference attendees will interact. Other presenters, from a diverse mix of age groups, ethnic backgrounds, education levels and industry experiences, will also share their passion for the entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to the day’s scheduled events-which include an end-of-day networking reception and wine tasting-the WISE conference will give women the chance to interact with successful entrepreneurs by inviting female business owners to market their company information during the conference.

According to Michael H. Morris, the Witting Chair in Entrepreneurship in SU’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management, entrepreneurial activities are especially crucial to local economic development activities. “Entrepreneurial firms create more than 85 percent of the new jobs in America,” says Morris. “Economic development does not happen without entrepreneurs, and women are leading the charge.”

The fee for the WISE conference, which is co-sponsored by KeyBank, is $40 for those who register in advance and $50 at the door. Full-time students with I.D. will pay $10. Included in the price are a continental breakfast, lunch, networking reception, information binder and access to many successful entrepreneurs and their ideas.

Registration and information are available at http://www.WISEntrepreneurs.com . For more information, call the Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises Department in the Whitman School at (315) 443-6899.