For Women, By Women: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

Join us for a morning of inspiration, empowerment, and connection at the For Women, By Women: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurship breakfast and panel discussion. We dedicate this special event to celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs and providing valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed in your business journey.

Event Highlights:

Breakfast Reception starts at 8:30 a.m.: Start your morning with a delicious breakfast while networking with like-minded women entrepreneurs.

Panel Discussion starts at 9:00 a.m.: Moderated by Melinda Garvey, co-founder of Austin Woman Magazine, our panel features accomplished women entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and expertise on critical topics such as:

• Overcoming gender bias in the business world
• Achieving work-life balance as a woman entrepreneur
• Strategies for scaling your business
• The importance of social impact and sustainability

Interactive Q&A Sessions: Engage directly with our panelists, ask questions, and gain personalized advice to help you overcome challenges and seize opportunities in your entrepreneurial journey.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, create valuable relationships, and build a supportive community that fosters mutual growth and success.

As October marks National Women's Small Business Month, this event is a timely opportunity to celebrate the power of women in entrepreneurship. Attending will give you practical knowledge, inspiration, and connections that will fuel your business success. Take advantage of this chance to learn from and network with some of the most inspiring women entrepreneurs in the industry.

After breakfast, attend an informative session led by the knowledgeable U.S. Small Business Administration Lender Sue Malone. In the Small Business Financing session, Sue will provide insights into the latest trends affecting small business owners' access to capital, leaving you feeling informed and empowered.

In the first part of the session, Sue Malone will explore recent trends and developments in securing funding for small businesses. Drawing on her deep expertise, she'll offer a detailed overview of the various financing options available to entrepreneurs.

The second part of the session is designed to be practical and hands-on, ensuring you leave feeling prepared and capable. It will focus on a step-by-step guide to applying for unsecured working capital loans ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. This portion will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the application process successfully.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request - including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact the Economic Development Department at 512-974-7819. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing through Relay Texas 7-1-1.

Melinda Garvey, Founder,

Melinda Garvey is a serial entrepreneur, founding her first company, Austin Woman, 22 years ago and then just recently executing a successful and unprecedented organizational restructure to bring on nine additional diverse female owners as partners. “This new

leadership structure allows us to realize the huge growth potential of Austin Woman while at the same time ensuring the magazine continues its legacy of inclusion for generations to come.” Garvey is also the founder of On The Dot, a B2B, SaaS Virtual Community Platform.

As Garvey winds down from her day-to-day operations role at Austin Woman, she is focused on her new company, InHer Circle, Peer Advisory for Women, where she will facilitate and advise a small group of female business owners who are scaling to and beyond the $1M mark.

Melinda is a respected community leader who currently serves on the Habitat for Humanity Austin Board of Directors. She is a passionate advocate for women, which is why she chose to lead this new era of Habitat’s Women Build program. Her goal is not only to connect more women in the community to Habitat’s mission but also to serve the more than 65% of Habitat homeowners who are women.

Shalou Barth, Co-founder and CEO,

Shalou Barth is the Co-Founder and CEO of GhostLine Kitchens, revolutionizing the food industry with innovative shared-use commercial kitchens and event spaces. The company’s flexible offerings empower entrepreneurs and elevate their success rates. Under Barth’s leadership, GhostLine’s inaugural facility in Austin has supported over 200 food & beverage businesses within its first two years of operation. Barth’s entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout her career, from her roles at large companies like 3M in strategy and business development to ventures in commercial real estate development. Barth holds an MBA from McCombs and is a dedicated mother to two young boys.

Neasel Conner, Owner,

Neasel Conner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Speaker and Owner of Beyond the Happy. In her private practice, she has supported hundreds of people as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. With over 15 years of experience working with business professionals and educators, she is passionate about helping people realize their potential while prioritizing their mental health and wellness. Neasel is the lead facilitator for Heart2Heal Perinatal Grief and Loss groups where she created an innovative and interactive curriculum designed for women of color. She has presented to over 3,000 of people all over the world wit her dynamic, interactive, and engaginf Beyond the Happy Vision Board Experiences. Some of her clients include Google, The United States Air Force, Black Girls Do Engineer, Northside ISD, and Region 2 Education Service Centers.

Stephanie Martinez Houston, Founder,

Stephanie Houston, a 25-year entrepreneur and 5x founder, is trailblazing in the distillery industry as the co-founder of Island Getaway Rum, America’s first Latina-owned production distillery located in Dripping Springs, Texas. Breaking barriers and challenging norms, Stephanie’s journey is a tale of both business triumph and cultural significance. Her commitment to diversity and advocacy shines through as Island Getaway Rum stands as a beacon of inclusivity in an industry traditionally dominated by males. Stephanie actively champions progressive legislative changes in Texas liquor laws and tirelessly supports BIPOC-owned brands. Her distillery presents a unique opportunity for collaborative support, bringing a fresh face to the industry.

Host or Publisher City of Austin Small Business Division