Business Women and Students Set Their Sights Skyward at Annual Symposium

Held for the twelfth year, the Women’s Business Symposium, hosted by the Pocatello (Region 5) Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC), invited women from across the state to learn, network and grow together. Attendees spent the day in workshops based on their interests and career type. There was also a strong networking aspect, with plenty of time to brainstorm and connect with other women, as well as learn about the no-cost small business consulting offered by the SBDC.

This year’s theme was Shoot for the Moon, inviting attendees to go for their dreams and believe in themselves. “We were able to welcome our largest crowd ever [to this year’s event] - over 250 women,” said Ann Swanson, Southeast Idaho SBDC Director. “Our keynote speaker, Megan Bentdzen, who is also an SBDC client, delivered an excellent presentation on the power of fun and got people up on the stage dancing! Next year, our production team at the Southeast Idaho SBDC will be moving the event to ISU and adding more workshops on small business management.”

Back for the third year, young women pitched their business ideas for cash prizes during the symposium’s Pitch-off Competition.

“This Pitch-off Competition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our best all-female entrepreneurship teams of the year,” said Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Director Dr. Jeff Street. “Six teams rise to the top of our Shark Tank

Competition and U.S. Bank Pitch-off, both held in the fall semester. The best competitors are invited to present their business ideas at this symposium.”

This year’s first place winner was Hannah Rasmussen, who pitched her idea of 1050 Technologies - lightweight, reflective, easily deployed emergency signage for law enforcement.

“Competing in this event was so empowering,” said Rasmussen. “I had the opportunity to meet of successful women across so many different industries. I think we learned a lot from each other.”

Rasmussen has had a long line of success participating in pitchoff competitions offered by the ISU College of Business. She estimates she’s earned a total of $12,500 across her years of competing as an undergraduate. Now graduated, Rasmussen plans to take a couple of her business ventures, including 1050 Technologies, full-time.

“It’s a daunting task to stand on a stage in front of that many people, pitch your business idea in fours minutes and answer questions from the audience,” said Street. “But, our students are well prepared and courageous as they proudly present their dreams.”