South Burlington Women In Business (SBWiB) Gather at The Public Library

South Burlington Women in Business kicked off with a City Expo to a full house the last Thursday in June.  Women (and one guy) from around the region interested in or in business in South Burlington joined City Staff to talk about South Burlington and women-owned or operated businesses.  Organized by local businesswomen Julie Danaher (Ridgeline Real Estate) and Brittany Winfield (The Winfield Creative) with Ilona Blanchard (City of South Burlington) and Judy Luneau (SBBA) assisting, the event opened with serious networking. 

The main speaker was Jessie Baker, City Manager, highlighting the City of South Burlington and City resources.  Did you know, 69.7 percent of women participate in the labor force in South Burlington (2017-2021).  That is just 3% less than men in and about 7% more than women’s participation in labor across the State of Vermont as a whole.  Of the 907 firms in South Burlington, 157 are identified as owned by women.  While highlighting the approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space to be available soon in Catamount Run, Baker threw down a challenge that at least 50% of new businesses in City Center be owned by women!

It was great to see local and regional statewide resources at the event including  SCORE, SBA, Center for Women and Enterprise, SBBA, Vermont Womenpreneurs, and Let’s Grow Kids.  Not least, City opportunities were featured such as the Library’s meeting rooms and online business courses and Recreation’s venues and sponsorship opportunities.  Follow us on Instagram @SBWOMENINBUSINESS and stay tuned for the next SBWiB event.