SCORE Indianapolis to Offer First-Ever Women’s Entrepreneur Brunch

By SCORE Indianapolis | | 3.4.24

On the heels of International Women’s Day, nonprofit SCORE Indianapolis will provide inspiration and networking for female entrepreneurs as part of the chapter’s first-ever Women’s Day Entrepreneur Brunch.

Set for March 9 – the day after International Women’s Day – the three-hour event will feature discussions from three successful women business owners centered around themes of overcoming obstacles; cultivating contacts and networking; and setting adequate pricing for products and services.

Speakers are:

Jennifer Wiese of BeeFree Gluten-Free Bakery started her business in 2010 to support gluten-free eating following her son’s autism diagnosis. Her gluten-free snacks are sold in most major retailers, including Kroger, Whole Foods, Meijers, and Target.

Michelle Shelburne founded Sanctuary Indy, Inc. several years ago in response to a lack of available and appropriate housing options for those who are chronically homeless in Indianapolis.

Geneva Taylor is the owner of Tellis Executive Search, a search consultancy firm focused on leadership and contract staffing roles.

“It’s the women telling their story while focusing on the common struggles other women entrepreneurs may face,” SCORE Indianapolis mentor and women’s event organizer Tricia Brace said.

Following the presentations, speakers will participate in a panel discussion, answering questions from attendees.

The event, which is a collaborative effort between SCORE, Ivy Tech and the U.S. Small Business Administration, focuses on women business owners who have been in business for six months or more.

“You’ve already sold to your friends and family,” said Brace, of Carmel. “The initial excitement wears off and it becomes more of a job.”

Since more than one-third of small businesses started in Indiana are women-owned, Brace thought it made sense to offer support for women as they continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

As part of the partnership with Ivy Tech, students of the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation are invited to attend as well.

“These are our future entrepreneurs,” Brace said.

The event is being funded by the Lester, Muriel Edie Frasier Women’s Entrepreneurial Fund. If successful, Brace said the chapter hopes to offer it twice a year, in the spring and in the fall.

If you go

SCORE Indianapolis’ Women’s Day Entrepreneur Brunch will be held on March 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Ivy Tech Fall Creek Campus, Room IFC 101, 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway N. Drive. Cost is $20. To learn more or register, please visit https://www.score.org/indianapolis/event/womens-day-entrepreneur-brunch.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped 11 million entrepreneurs start or grow a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free mentoring, workshops, and educational services to 1,500+ communities nationwide. With more than 70 members throughout the Indianapolis area, SCORE Indianapolis provides nearly 3,000 mentoring services annually to local small business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business workshops. For more information about starting or operating a small business, or finding a mentor, visit SCORE Indianapolis at www.score.org/indianapolis.

Jennifer Wiese

Michelle Shelburne

Geneva Taylor