The Biz Foundry’s Powered by Her initiative returning to Livingston after a year long hiatus, and the response has been good so far.
Biz Foundry Vice President Tiffany Anton Anton said the initative is meant to empower female entrepreneurs with support and community. Anton said a lack in interest ended the Livingston program several years ago. Anton said Livingston’s second iteration is on track for success, as the September 10 luncheon is already full.
“We sent hand written invitations to business owners, so we’ve been able to get the word out a little bit better than we were in the past,” Anton said. “So we’re feeling, but it’s really well needed.”
Anton said the community has grown from a podcast to in-person events over the years. Anton said luncheons will be held every other month for the next six months as a trial run, and the next Livingston event is in November.
Anton said Powered by Her’s return to Livingston can be credited partially to new Chamber Director Zach Stephens, who she said has breathed new life into the local small business community. She said Stephens has helped with spreading the word.
Anton said the Powered by Her podcast included inspiring conversations with female entrepreneurs, or covered specific topics like tariffs. Anton said the program is similar, as women can share what is working in their businesses or navigate their struggles together. Other times, conversations about leadership skills may be had.
Anton said that women specifically crave the collaborative nature that can be drawn from a program like Powered by Her. Anton said the program is valuable because most local businesses are operated by women.
“Being able to provide resources for them so that you feel like you’re not alone and kind of struggling is really, really valuable,” Anton said. “We, of course at the Biz Foundry feel that entrepreneurship is the career path for everybody to go, we hope we can rub off on others so they too might want to start their own business.”
Anton said women are generally tenacious and innovative, and their collaborative nature can help grow a business.
