In 2016, ACEnet found that 55% of our clients were women. With more research, we also found that the number of women entrepreneurs were growing not only in our region & state, but nationally! The Census Bureau reported that women-owned businesses are growing at a faster rate than male-owned businesses across the nation. In Ohio, women business owners account for 41% of the total businesses. *Update* Now, in 2023, 63% of our clients are women!

This in mind, ACEnet saw the need to provide resources to support women-owned businesses and created a conference to supply those resources. With our mission of growing the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening economic sectors, we are uniquely positioned to bring together organizations that offer technical assistance in every area needed for businesses to succeed.

Each year, ACEnet is excited to host our annual Women in Business Conference in the graciously donated space at The Lodge at Hocking College. This free event unites women entrepreneurs in all stages of business development for a one day event that focuses on three main objectives:

  • To provide a space for networking so women entrepreneurs can create and feel a greater sense of community.
  • To provide professional development through sessions such as financial planning and marketing to help new business owners get a great start, but also provide the tools mature business owners need to expand and grow.
  • To provide personal development. Owning a business while being a family member, community member, or student can be challenging. The conference will provide a keynote speaker that gives insight on work-life balance.

 

2024 Conference – Details coming soon!