Inspiring Entrepreneurs Episode 4: Center for Women & Enterprise

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Podcast

We welcome Vermont business owners to meet Gwen Pokalo-Hart, Vice President of Policy and Practice for the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) and Director of the Vermont Women's Business Center in this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs. This week we talk about the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and the comprehensive support provided by CWE.

Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont is part of the regional CWE organization that has three main program focuses: providing technical assistance, collecting data on women in entrepreneurship, and offering certification to help women-owned businesses access corporate and government contracts. Technical assistance includes workshops (in-person and virtual), no-cost or low-cost business counseling, and fostering a community environment that encourages collaboration and collective resourcing.

In this show, we discuss some of the historical and ongoing barriers women face in accessing capital, with women often receiving less funding and paying more for loans compared to men. Gwen also touches on the broader systemic issues, such as the exclusion of women from traditional financial networks and the need for inclusive and supportive business environments.

The episode also delves into the importance of redefining success for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing personal and community impacts rather than just financial metrics. Gwen shares her wishes for entrepreneurs: experiencing an entrepreneurial mindset, expanding the definition of success, and approaching business transitions with a holistic view.

Resources Mentioned
· Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE): cweonline.org
· Books & podcasts:
o Emergent Strategies by Adrienne Maree Brown: adriennemareebrown.net/book/emergent-strategy
o Feminist Business Model Canvas by CV Harquail: cvharquail.com/feminist-business-model-canvas
o Post-Growth Economy Resources: postgrowth.org
o Reshma Saujani's "Brave Not Perfect”: reshmasaujani.com/brave-not-perfect

We encourage you to explore these resources and engage with the CWE community for further support and inspiration in their entrepreneurial journeys. Find their resources at: cweonline.org.

To find more resources and additional Inspiring Entrepreneurs episodes, please visit the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s website: vtbdc.org.

This show is made possible by the Community Navigator Pilot Program funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the SBA.