Decorative Hero Image

She leads: elevating entrepreneurial ideas

The 2nd annual She Leads pitch event returns April 13, 2023. She Leads is an event that pairs women entrepreneurs with a small group of local experts who give instant feedback for your business.

As a current or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with ideas, encouragement, and new perspectives about how to solve a business problem or take your business to the next level.

She Leads is a non-competitive, no-pressure event for women entrepreneurs in our region. Present your ideas to a panel of supportive, local business experts who in turn will ask thoughtful questions and give you immediate feedback.

There are 2 ways to participate:  

  1. Pitch! Pitch your business idea + attend keynote panel + networking  (Waitlist open)
  2. General Admission. Join for keynote panel + networking 

The registration deadline for entrepreneurs wishing to present is Friday, March 24.

New this year!

  • More feedback time with pitch experts
  • Table Talks in between pitch presentations
    • Meet and network with a wide range of experts in legal, finance, marketing, and more to get your business questions answered 1:1 or in a small group setting
  • “Elevate Your Business with Less” keynote panel discussion of 3 small business experts who will share tips and tools on how to be more efficient with your finances, marketing and business management.

“I had the unique opportunity to pitch an idea for my business, Curated Closet, to a panel of strong, smart, successful business women and received invaluable feedback. I didn’t stop smiling for hours.”

JESSICA BEAUDRY RICHAU, CURATED CLOSET, 2022 SHE LEADS PARTICIPANT

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

When: Thursday, April 13, 2023

Where: Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter, MN 56425

Noon – Doors open

12:30 pm – 3:15 pm – Pitch presentations (closed to public) and access to “Table Talks” (open to all)

3:30 pm – Keynote panel discussion starts: Elevate Your Business With Less (open to all)

4:45 pm – 6 pm – Networking Happy Hour

*You don’t have to pitch your idea to participate in She Leads. General admission tickets to the keynote panel discussion includes admission to the Table Talks and networking opportunities. Confirmed She Leads pitch presenters do not need to buy a general admission ticket. This session is included in your registration. The registration deadline for entrepreneurs wishing to present is Friday, March 24.

“At She Leads, I had the best experience as a woman entrepreneur. I got to present what my business is and get feedback on where I am and how to get to where I want to be. I am so thankful and encouraged and grateful for their time, expertise and generosity!”

Tricia Schleper, Schleper Coaching, 2022 She leads participant

Keynote Panel Discussion: Elevate Your Business With Less

Nadene Kruize

Clare Richards

Kristi Westbrock

During a time when it’s challenging to hire and business owners are seemingly needing to do more themselves in all aspects of their business, it’s time to think about how you can operate more efficiently and do more with less. Hear from three expert panelists on how to best utilize your time, people, equipment and money to better serve you and your business.

Moderator: Sandi Larson, Entrepreneur Fund’s Women Business Alliance North Director

*Tickets to the keynote panel discussion include admission to the Table Talks and networking opportunities. Confirmed She Leads pitch presenters do not need to buy a general admission ticket. This session is included in your registration.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making She Leads possible!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend She Leads?

What’s the value in presenting my idea at She Leads?

How should I prepare for She Leads?

  1. Space is limited to 18 presenters. If you’re an entrepreneur or small-business leader who needs feedback about a challenge or opportunity with your business, register today.
  2. At She Leads, you will have 6 minutes to present. To get the most out of your time, we recommend briefly describing your business, present your idea and then ask the panel a specific question about your challenge or opportunity. Practice your presentation! Registered presenters will receive an email with tips from our team and past participants on how to make the most out of your presentation.
  3. Come with an open mind and heart as panelists ask questions and give 15 minutes of feedback after your presentation.
  4. Think about other advice or discussions you want to have and seek out the experts at the Table Talks. There, you can meet and get advice from women with a range of backgrounds and expertise.
  5. Some equipment will be provided during the event including, a computer, a projector and a clicker. You will need to submit your presentation slides ahead of time. Specifics to come once you register.

Who are the pitch experts?*

Each expert panel will have legal, marketing, finance, and general business advising expertise represented.

Marketing:

Finance:

Legal:

Business Development/Mentor:

*We understand that presenting about your business may include sensitive or proprietary information. Therefore, all panelists will sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

What else should I know about She Leads?

Can people who don’t identify as women attend the event?

Yes! The She Leads is open to anyone who would like to attend. Keep in mind that the topics and discussions were chosen with women-owned businesses in mind.

Who hosts She Leads?

She Leads is hosted by the Women’s Business Alliance, which is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund and a certified Women’s Business Center of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Women’s Leadership Fund, and the Initiative Foundation.

The event is in partnership with Minnesota Small Business Development Centers, Greater St. Cloud Development Center, and SCORE. The planning committee for She Leads is made up of Jill Casper (MMFCU), Kristi Ackley (Women’s Leadership Fund), Barb Downs (Women’s Leadership Fund), Julie Anderholm (North Central SBDC), Katherine Heppner (North Central SBDC), Lisa Lindgren (SCORE), Jess Schilling (Women’s Leadership Fund), Maria Surma Manka (Women’s Leadership Fund), Sandi Larson (Women’s Business Alliance), Sandy Voigt (Women’s Business Alliance), Leslie Dingmann (GSDC), LaRae Ross (Central SBDC), Brigid Brew (Central SBDC), Vicki Hagberg (Northland SBDC), Samantha Erkkila (Entrepreneur Fund), Char Conger (Entrepreneur Fund), and Carly Viegut (Entrepreneur Fund).

If you have additional questions, please reach our team at 218-623-5747 or info@entrepreneurfund.org

SBA Logo
The Women’s Business Alliance Central and North are both certified Women’s Business Centers through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) represent a successful public-private partnership between the SBA and non-profit entrepreneurial development organizations across the country.

Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo
Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo
Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo Client Logo