ASPIRE! a first-time USDA Rural Business Development grant has arrived to engage and empower women entrepreneurs in the Northeast Kingdom. It is a grant rich in opportunities for applicants, panelists for the first tier award of $2,000 for technical assistance, Circle of Support members, pitch judges for the second tier of $5,000 grants and partnering of community businesses to support the process.
ASPIRE's kickoff luncheon, at the Eastside Restaurant in Newport on November 30th, will open with Meg Smith, Director of the Vermont Women's Fund, "Empowering Women to do More"; Change the Story's Director Tiffany Bluemle will present, as the keynote address, their most recent report, "Women's Business Ownership and the Vermont Economy." Jane Campbell, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, will depict "Women in Socially Responsible Business."
Joe Patrissi, Executive Director of Northeast Kingdom Community Action will give the welcome for ASPIRE! Amy Robinson. Director of NEKCA's Micro Business Development Program, will trace ASPIRE's history and Project Manager Diana Henry will flesh out the details of the grant.
The luncheon is free for ASPIRANTS!, community volunteers, and interested business partners. The program will run from noon-3 with the dessert hour from 2-3 being reserved to take applications of ASPIRANTS!, sign up Circle of Support volunteers, and greet potential business partners. We are proud Passumpsic Savings Bank is ASPIRE!'s first generous sponsor. ASPIRE! will help women grow their business and the economy of the Northeast Kingdom. Bring your business cards!
For further information, like our https://www.facebook.com/NEKCAAspire/posts/ and RSVP by November 28 to: Diana M. Henry, Project Manager, ASPIRE! * 316 Main St. #301, Newport, VT 05855 * 802-334-7054 dmhenry@nekcavt.org