Grants help 21 women entrepreneurs pursue success through UM program
Grants provided by Prospera Business Network helped a University of Montana program provide coaching and assistance to 21 female entrepreneurs over the first four months of the year.
Morgan Slemberger, director of Women's Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of Montana's Accelerate Montana program, said the $15,000 in grants provided coaching and virtual training for women at all stages of business.
“Working together with Prospera to bring free coaching to Montana women entrepreneurs magnifies the positive impact both of our organizations are capable of having in the Montana business community,” Slemberger said.
The women's entrepreneurial program – better known as Pursue Your Passions – provides the education and experience needed to help women achieve a more equitable and prosperous future.
The program uses online courses, virtual communities and entrepreneurial coaching to support and connect women at UM and across the state with mentors and coaches.
UM graduate Lindsey Godwin of Great Falls teamed up with consultant Amanda Miller and Accelerate Montana coach Reed Miller to build her own business idea.
Godwin later launched REP Space, which provides 3D virtual tours and professional photography for realtors and businesses.
“It enabled me to not only let my ideas expand, but to help mold them into what has become the core of my company,” Godwin said. “Without the help of this program and the dedicated guidance of Reed and Amanda, my business would not have become what it is today and what it is capable of achieving long-term.”
Slemberger said the grants provided by Prospera Business Network helped her program expand its reach. PBN is a non-profit organization that helps advance economic development in Montana.
“Partnering with Pursue Your Passions in Missoula is exciting, and we were fortunate to expand our technical assistance and business counseling to help all Montana business owners navigate relief options and find new ways to pivot and grow their businesses,” said Suzi Berget-White, director of business development at Prospera.