chicago Sky Foundation Champions women-Led Businesses, Igniting Economic Empowerment
The Chicago Sky Foundation, linked to the celebrated WNBA team, recently convened a powerful summit, handing over the keys to economic empowerment to a vibrant audience of women business owners. The event underscored the foundation’s commitment to the Chicago community.
Sky Foundation Invests in Women’s Future
Awvee Storey, former Nba Player, Veteran Wnba Coach, and Executive Director for the Chicago Sky, emphasized the organization’s redoubled focus on investing in both the league and small, women-owned businesses. Storey highlighted the deep respect he holds for these women, acknowledging their vital contributions both on and off the court.
The Sky Foundation’s core mission revolves around four key pillars: economic development, health and wellness, youth education, and the empowerment of women. This recent gathering served as a beacon for prospective leaders,offering an evening dedicated to fostering exponential growth and celebrating womanhood.
Empowering Voices: Leaders Break Barriers
Jasmine Minor, ABC News Anchor and Moderator, Commended the attendees, recognizing their businesses as vital threads in the city’s fabric. Minor encouraged everyone to affirm, “I am proud of me,” reinforcing the intentionality each woman invests in her endeavors.
Bipoc Women Leaders: Breaking Barriers
The Panel featured Anna Valencia, Nicole Lee, and Melissa Conyears-Ervin-three powerhouses delivering immense communal and economic value to Chicagoans. Valencia serves as the City Clerk and Lee is the first Chinese-American to a specific council position.
Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic while maximizing their time. Conyears-Ervin shared her experiences as a Black woman in finance, noting she remains unapologetic in boardrooms, leveraging her financial authority to hold others accountable.
According to a recent study by McKinsey, companies with greater gender diversity are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability.
“Hold on to your power, because your finances, economics, that’s power. I knew that I was holding a checkbook, so whether you liked it or not, I’m going to hold you accountable. Why? Because, as I saeid earlier, I represent the people,” she said.
Valencia champions collaboration over competition as the key to women’s empowerment. She believes women should create inclusive spaces to combine ideas, leading to collective success.
“We have to take care of one another; no one else is coming to save us. We’re here to save ourselves,” she said.
Building Brand Recognition With purpose
diane Primo, CEO, marketing magnate, and communication innovator, delivered the keynote speech. She views self-investment as essential to thriving women-led businesses. Primo,having evolved from an Avon saleswoman to a leader in billion-dollar divisions,believes every businesswoman embodies “Olympic level entrepreneurship.” She emphasized that consumers buy into a name, not just a product.
“First rule of business, visibility builds trust,” she said. “if people don’t remember your name, they won’t remember your what you offer.”
Primo argues that business is a meritocracy from which women are frequently enough excluded. Reclaiming value, voice, and visibility means seizing rights, not waiting for them. Her advice: repeat your name frequently, be the brand, not just the owner.
“Do not let others define who you are. Control it. Decide what it’s going to be,and tell it as often as you can-as many places as you can,” she said.
Time is money, and “underpricing is not humility.” Primo believes undervaluing solutions sabotages value, urging business owners to view cash flow as oxygen and profit as power. She advocates launching businesses before they are fully developed and embracing “failing fast” to seize opportunities. Ultimately, Primo advises leading with uniqueness and investing in oneself, the most valuable asset.
“Self investment isn’t intelligence. It’s infrastructure. Your business will never outgrow your leadership. So invest in you.”
Strategies for Sustained Success in Women-led Businesses
Building a successful, women-led business requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond initial launch and visibility. It demands continuous learning, strategic networking, and a commitment to community.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to refine your skills and strategies.
- Strategic Networking: Build relationships with other business owners, industry experts, and potential investors to create a strong support system.
- Community Engagement: Give back to your community through volunteer work, sponsorships, or mentorship programs to build brand loyalty and social impact.
Regularly assess your business model and adapt to changing market conditions. Versatility is key to long-term success.
Moreover,fostering a positive and inclusive work environment can significantly boost employee morale and productivity. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, companies with engaged employees see a 23% higher profit.
Key Takeaways from the Chicago Sky Foundation Event
| Speaker | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Awvee Storey | Invest in the league and women-owned businesses. |
| Jasmine minor | Recognize the importance of each Business Owner in the City. |
| anna Valencia | Collaboration, not competition, is the key to women’s empowerment. |
| Diane Primo | Visibility builds trust; self-investment is crucial. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary focus of the Chicago Sky Foundation?
The Chicago Sky Foundation primarily focuses on economic development, health and wellness, youth education, and women’s empowerment, particularly supporting women-led businesses.
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How does visibility impact business, especially for women entrepreneurs?
Visibility is crucial for building trust and brand recognition. If potential customers don’t remember your name, they won’t remember what you offer. Consistent self-promotion is key.
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Why is self-investment important for women in business?
Self-investment is the foundation for balancing women-led businesses. Your business will never outgrow your leadership, so continuous personal and professional development is essential.
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What strategies can women employ in overcoming microaggressions in finance?
Remaining unapologetically authentic and holding others accountable are key strategies. Emphasizing the financial power and responsibility you hold can also command respect.
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How can women effectively build brand recognition?
Building brand recognition involves repeating your name often, being the brand, and controlling your narrative. Visibility builds trust, so make sure people remember you and what you offer.
What strategies do you find most effective for building brand recognition? How can communities better support women-led businesses?
share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
What are the eligibility criteria for receiving a grant from the Chicago Sky Foundation?
Chicago Sky Foundation: Investing in Chicago’s Women Entrepreneurs
The Chicago Sky Foundation is dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses and fostering economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs throughout the city of Chicago. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to create a thriving ecosystem where women can launch, grow, and sustain accomplished ventures. Their mission is to ignite opportunity and provide resources necessary for women to thrive in the business world. This foundation, connected to the Chicago Sky WNBA team , represents a powerful force impacting the local business community.
Key Programs and Initiatives
The Chicago Sky Foundation offers a variety of initiatives designed to address the different needs of women entrepreneurs.These programs provide comprehensive support, from initial funding to ongoing mentorship. Understanding the landscape of financing opportunities in Chicago is critical for success.
Grants and Funding opportunities
One of the cornerstones of the Foundation’s work is its grants and financial assistance programs. These programs are crucial in providing the initial capital and resources women need to start and scale their businesses in Chicago. The types of funding available often includes:
- Seed Grants: Providing funds to cover early-stage expenses like business plan progress and initial product development.
- Growth grants: Targeting established businesses to help with expansion, marketing, and operational improvements.
- Emergency Relief Funds: Offering financial assistance during unexpected challenges or economic downturns, especially to support Chicago based small business owners.
Mentorship and Business Resources
The Chicago Sky Foundation also connects women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and valuable business resources. these resources cover a variety of aspects related to business management, including:
- Mentorship Programs: pairing entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals to provide guidance and support.
- Workshops and Training: Offering educational sessions on topics such as marketing,finance,sales,and operations.
- Networking Events: Facilitating connections with other entrepreneurs, potential investors, and community support networks. Networking in Chicago is essential!
Impact and Success Stories
The impact of the Chicago Sky Foundation on women entrepreneurs can be seen through several real-world examples:
Case Studies and Examples
one of the real-world examples is a local bakery that received a growth grant to purchase new equipment, leading to increased production capacity and greater sales. Another is a technology startup that gained access to mentorship and guidance that helped them secure their first round of funding. Chicago’s business community benefits from the growth of these women-led entities.
Here’s a sample representation of the success metrics:
| Program | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Grants | Helped launch 30+ businesses | Local restaurant, specializing in artisan desserts |
| Mentorship Program | Increased revenue by 20% for participating businesses | Software development company, expanding sales team |
| Workshops | Over 500 women entrepreneurs trained year over year | Various Business Consulting, Marketing |
How to Get Involved
supporting the Chicago Sky Foundation can take manny forms, and here’s how individuals and organizations can make a difference:
Opportunities for Support
Here are ways to support the foundation:
- Donate: Financial contributions directly support programs that help women entrepreneurs.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills as a mentor or workshop facilitator.
- Partner: Sponsor events or collaborate on specific initiatives.
- Spread Awareness: Share data about the Foundation and its initiatives with your network.
Contact and Submission Information
For more in-depth information on grant applications, events, volunteer opportunities, and making donations, visit the “Chicago Sky Foundation” website or contact them directly.
Email: [email protected]
Website: [Insert Website URL Here – example: chicagoskyfoundation.org]
