Women`s Venture Fund

September 22, 2008

Conference to Empower Women Entrepreneurs With Access To Corporate and Government Procurement Officers

Although nearly 40 percent of U.S. businesses are owned by women, employing 27.5 million people and contributing more than $3.6 trillion to the market, only five percent of female-owned firms are able to secure corporate and government contracts. Experts attribute this disparity to obstacles faced by women in business, especially those in economically distressed communities, including less access to financing from traditional lenders, fewer role models for advice, inspiration and guidance, a lack of experience in networking, as well as family demands.[...]

Honorees Receive “Highest Leaf Awards” at breakfast underwritten by Citi

NEW YORK, NY — June 25, 2008 — The Women’s Venture Fund, Inc. (WVF) announces the recipients of its “Highest Leaf Awards” for business leadership and civic engagement. The 2008 honorees are Susan Ascher, Mary J. Barneby, Katherine Combs, Sharon R. Cooper, Mary C. García, Elizabeth Kressel and Debra Walton (see bios at end). This annual award celebrates trailblazing women business executives who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to their respective industries and other women. [...]