Success Stories
Diana Reichenbach
“CWE is an invaluable resource for women seeking to start a business. All of my interactions with the business counselors have been extremely rewarding. I found their workshops to be comprehensive and well-presented, providing more information than I realized I needed. The Concept to Launch series was especially helpful with a step-by-step approach that I found clear and insightful. The presenter and guest presenters were all enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend CWE and all they have to offer to anyone embarking on their own business venture.”
Wendy M. McSparren
Co-Founder & CEO Admirra
“Attending Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) "Concept to Launch" program in Fall 2023 was pivotal for launching our SaaS business. The incredible support from Anne Schlicht, the CWE team and multiple business counselors has been invaluable. CWE connected us with essential resources in the Pittsburgh community, greatly benefiting our entrepreneurial journey. I highly recommend CWE for any aspiring entrepreneur.”
Kelly Carney
Owner Eva Bryn Shoetique
“Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) has changed my life. I have experienced a very real metamorphosis from a 'hoper' or 'dreamer' to a true, honest-to-goodnesss 'doer' and a small business owner. I am on the verge of the Grand Opening of my dream business, Eva Bryn Shoetique, and it is greatly due to the support and knowledge gained from the CWBC.
From the very start, the CWBC has exposed me to women business owners that are confident, articulate and generous with their time and knowledge. From the business counseling to the Concept to Launch class, I was able to receive amazing insight on a fairly regular basis that helped me truly 'launch' my business concept. Wendy Mascio, my business counselor, has truly been a cheerleader for me while also being a the voice of reason and a valuable resource. The business advice I have received has truly given me the confidence to take the leap. Having this regular support has truly enabled and empowered me to follow through on becoming a 'doer'.”
Nancy Foley
Owner Foley Physical Therapy
“After completing the start up class in April 2016, I began seeing former patients in their own homes. As of 2017 I am fulltime in my own business, began turning a profit as of mid February and am considering developing a unique internship program for both businesses.
Through the Women’s Business Center’s training and counseling, I learned about and held 3 focus groups - super helpful; learned about and developed my own free Weebly website and posted it; learned about and set up Quickbooks Online (brilliant); used free legal counseling offered through the WBC program and continued with these attorneys’ paid legal assistance.”
Jessica Eberley
“In 2015, I enrolled in Chatham University’s Business Start-Up Course through the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) to launch HRT Solutions, specializing in outsourced HR and Recruitment. With motivation from the inspiring community, I launched the company in 2016 with four employees and now lead a team of over twenty across the U.S. and Canada. In 2023, I expanded by launching Equality Careers, an inclusive job board. The resources and counseling from CWE and Chatham’s SBA Women’s Business Center were invaluable, and I’m now proud to give back as a Human Resources Technical Counselor, supporting others in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Beck Gallagher
Co-Owner Beli Nails
“My sister, Lizzi, and I were already in the process of opening our business before I started the CWE Concept to Launch course. I was referred by my best friend who had already gone through it and opened her own business too! I learned a lot in those 6 weeks and was able to feel a lot more solid in our business plan and general ideas and processes that were already in motion. Our specialized, art-focused nail salon started with 2 artists, and we are now at full capacity at 10 within 18 months of opening our doors. Concept to Launch allowed me additional dedicated time and space to really hone in on how we planned to do business and gave me different perspectives to consider along the way. I would suggest anyone to take this course to dive into their ideas and dreams a bit to firm up future plans for their business. And the best part is that I've been able to stay in touch with some of the educators and a few peers in the class as well! Forever grateful for that experience.”
Juanita Works
Founder Imagination Works Child Care, LLC
“Opening my Child Care facility, Imagination Works Child Care LLC., was the hardest yet most rewarding experience of my life. Adhering to complex local, state, and federal standards posed significant challenges. However, this process was facilitated by support from various entrepreneurial individuals, including family and friends, as well as resources from Chatham University's Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship – Women’s Business Center. Specifically, Ms. Patrica Stanko, my Mentor through Chatham’s program, offered comprehensive support and leadership when I did not know where to begin. I am profoundly grateful for Chatham’s support and insights that helped me with my vision to ensure children are nurtured, educated, and cared for in a safe environment.”
Kristee Cammack
President, CEO & Founder
A Giving Heart Childcare & Adult Learning Center
“The CWE had benefited me in training, access to professionals to help me fine tune my business plan and obtain a loan to purchase a facility. It has allowed provided access to network with peers and other professionals.”