The next generation of women entrepreneurs will converge on the campus of Northwood University for an informative, inspirational and networking event next Thursday, Nov. 15.
The Women to Women Entrepreneurship Forum is a free event, a partnership between the McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and Midland Tomorrow Innovation Center.
The forum features speeches from three successful women entrepreneurs and all with ties to the region, as well as a networking session and dinner. The event takes place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Scheduled speakers include Northwood alumna Julie Ritten, founder of Ritten Financial. Located in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield, Ritten Financial offers financial planning and wealth management services including life insurance, retirement planning, and estate and tax planning.
Midland-based entrepreneur Renee' Deckrow is also scheduled as a speaker. Deckrow, Midland's photographer-turned-entrepreneur with three companies in town is the brains behind Captured Studios, which includes photography services, dance and fitness classes, painting classes,local coffee roaster and coffee shop Live Oak Coffeehouse and commercial real estate company Captured Properties.
Last but not least is Nicole Ward. Nicole and her husband Rafe own Eastman’s Forgotten Ciders and Eastman’s Antique Apple Orchard in Wheeler. The Wards grow more than 1,200 varieties of apples at their orchard and craft a variety of hard ciders.
The networking opportunities and speeches can prove valuable for entrepreneurs, established or not, but the sense of community fostered at such events can be just as important.
"Sometimes it can feel like being an island, as a small business owner," Nicole told us earlier this year.
Women to Women Entrepreneurship Forum takes place at Northwood University's McNair Center at 4000 Whiting Drive in Midland. Registration is available online.
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