The West Chester Women's Entrepreneurship Conference is set to take place on October 18, 2024, aiming to address the significant challenges female business owners face in securing funding. Women-owned businesses now account for nearly 40% of all U.S. businesses, employing 12.2 million individuals and generating an impressive $2.7 trillion in revenue. However, despite this growth, only 2% of venture funding is allocated to female founders, with women of color encountering even greater obstacles in accessing financial resources [fd36d5ca].
Yasmine Mustafa, a notable speaker at the conference and founder of Roar for Good, exemplifies the potential for success among women entrepreneurs. A war refugee from Kuwait, Mustafa launched her company in 2014, focusing on wearable safety devices. Through her determination and innovative approach, she raised hundreds of thousands through pitch competitions and crowdfunding, ultimately securing an additional $2 million in funding [fd36d5ca].
Pattie Diggin from the Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center will also share insights at the conference, encouraging attendees to explore opportunities with angel venture funders and local university resources. This guidance is crucial as many women entrepreneurs seek to navigate the complex landscape of funding [fd36d5ca].
Additionally, an investment forum hosted by the Keiretsu Forum is scheduled for October 31, providing further opportunities for female entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors and expand their networks [fd36d5ca]. This conference not only highlights the challenges women face in entrepreneurship but also emphasizes the importance of community support and resource sharing in overcoming these barriers [fd36d5ca].