“Adventure is Worthwhile in Itself”

Sold Out Crowd and Big Cash Prizes at Women’s Business Symposium

Held for the eleventh year, the Women’s Business Symposium, hosted by the Pocatello (Region 5) 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.

“The SBDC has produced this event for over a decade, and we are proud to have new and returning attendees each year,” said Ann Swanson, Southeast Idaho SBDC Director.

This year’s theme was “Up, Up, and Away!”, a nod to Amelia Earheart and the idea of taking on new things in life. In addition to sponsor swag and raffle prizes, attendees received a sticker with one of Earheart’s famous quotes - Adventure is Worthwhile in Itself - as a continued reminder of the event’s themes.

Dr. Jeff Street, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, expanded the pitch-off for it’s second year by coordinating with universities across the west to bring in young women to pitch their business ideas. Attendees voted to award nearly $20,000 in prize money. This year’s competition was named the Katherine Akers Pitch-Off, sponsored by Roger Akers and named in honor of his mother.

“The Katherine Akers PitchOff competition was a huge success,” said College of Business Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty. ”Not only did we get to witness a group of incredible female student entrepreneurs pitch their well-prepared, well researched business ideas to a group of over 200 women in business, we also were able to watch them win funds to help get their business off the ground.

Thanks to Roger, Carole, and their family, these students had a life changing experience and have a head start on bringing their business to life.”

Next year’s event has been set for April 10 at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center in Fort Hall, ID. Interested in attending or learning about sponsorship opportunities? Contact Ann at swanann@ isu.edu, or (208) 2824402.