Upcoming workshop webinar series to empower women entrepreneurs
Building on the success of the inaugural Women’s Entrepreneur Week last year, the University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center, in partnership with multiple universities, is bringing back a series of webinars to empower women business leaders.
Hosted by the small business development centers of the Texas South-West SBDC network, “SheConquers”: Shattering Glass Ceilings in Business, will be held Nov. 11 to 15 daily with webinars starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. held virtually, with two of those featuring two local entrepreneurs.
"As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, our center is proud to showcase two outstanding local entrepreneurs whose successes reflect the talent in our Crossroads community,” said Lindsay Young, director of the UHV Small Business Development Center. “With guidance and resources from our SBDC, and support from our community, both women have achieved remarkable growth. Through this week’s events, we hope their stories will inspire other women entrepreneurs, knowing they have our center as a dedicated partner as they start, grow and thrive."
With small business development centers encompassing the network from different universities, this year the network has arranged for a series of 10 webinars, with two sessions per day during the week. As part of each webinar, the centers will highlight women entrepreneurs to share their stories of finding success in the business world.
With this year’s theme, “SheConquers,” the webinar series is tailored to empower entrepreneurs on ways to break down barriers and achieve their goals through expert-led sessions, network working opportunities and practical tools.
“This particular week is geared toward an audience of women entrepreneurs, whether they are business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, supervisors or women who want to learn good ways to better their entrepreneurship skills,” said Jean Smith, training coordinator at the UHV SBDC.
The first local entrepreneur who will be highlighted during the week is Heather Marburger, who owns Chateau Du Sanctuaire, a wedding and event venue based in Edna.
“SBDC has helped me brainstorm business ideas and other opportunities,” Marburger said. “If you are someone who has a true passion for opening up their own business. I just want to say it’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile is. Follow your passion, take the risk, don’t give up and you will succeed. If you ever need advice, my door is always open.”
The second local entrepreneur who will be highlighted is Deborah Sublett of Elite Testing & Screening Services in Victoria.
"Building a business is a journey of passion, dedication, and resilience,” Sublett said. “I’ve learned that success comes from staying true to your values and embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Remember, in the midst of achieving your dreams, never forget the importance of self-care and maintaining balance. It’s essential to nurture yourself just as much as you nurture your business. Take the time to recharge, so you can lead with clarity and purpose in every aspect of your life—professionally and personally."
Those wishing to attend can register for any of the webinars at: https://sbdc.mccoy.txst.edu/training/2024-women-entrepreneurship-week.html
The UHV SBDC is committed to fostering small businesses success in the 11 counties it serves. The center provides no-cost assistance to small businesses in Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Refugio and Victoria counties.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.