In a place where creativity and entrepreneurship thrive, it’s nice to know that there are organizations who want to help you succeed.
The Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network, MVWN, has been doing just that. Its mission is to provide support and education to Island business owners. No matter how big or small your business might be, this is a group to be a part of.
Gearing Up for the Season
Earlier this month, I went to a MVWN breakfast networking event at Cafe Moxie sponsored by EduComp and Landmarks. It was early Tuesday morning, and Vineyard Haven was quiet except for the corner where Cafe Moxie is. The place was packed with Island business owners, and lots of familiar faces.
I am a big fan of these events. It’s a great, low stress way to talk with, and to meet with people of all different industries. Also, you never know what kind of cool tidbit you might find out about Island businesses.
Since it’s early Spring, there was a lot of energy in the air. People are gearing up for the Summer in a big way, and a lot of people have been much busier than usual this Winter which was nice to here.
And since Cafe Moxie was catering the event, the food was amazing. You have to try Leslie Hewson’s Pop-Overs. I was lucky enough to have one, OK two, of these light fluffy treats when they were fresh out of the oven. Of course everything else was good too, like to homemade granola and the sour cream muffins, but those Pop-Overs are to die for.
Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network’s Small Business Grant
This March meeting was particularly important for the MVWN. They are offering a $2,500 Business Grant to a local small businessperson based on Martha’s Vineyard looking to improve, grow or start a new business or looking to build the skills to do this. The project or program should be consistent with MVWN’s mission to promote economic development on the Vineyard.
How great is this opportunity for Island businesses? $2,500 is a lot of money to help with start-up costs or help to you grow your business. The MVWN wants to help businesses that help grow the business community on the Vineyard, and help create jobs which is a very good thing.
This type of grant could really help someone, but you have act quickly. The application must have a post marked date of April 2nd. You can download an application here.
If this doesn’t apply to you, perhaps you might know someone. The applicant does not need to be a member of the MVWN.
Between the networking events, the grant, and the programs offered, the MVWN offer a significant amount of support for Island businesses. Membership has its benefits!
Got Goals?
If you haven’t been to a one of their events, perhaps now is the time. Their next event is Tuesday, March 26th, at the Harbor View Hotel, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Life Coach, Bonnie Marcus will be offering an interactive goal setting workshop.
This is a great way to map or firm up your plans for the year and beyond. She will help you identify your strengths and achieve your goals. Bonnie is in the TOP 5% most viewed of ALL profiles on LinkedIn, and she will be speaking here, helping us work toward personal success!
Sounds like a great, productive way to spend a Tuesday evening! Tickets are $15 for MVWN members and $25 for non-members. I wonder if she can even help someone like me get organized!
Thanks for reading On Point. You can learn more about the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network and its events, programs, or to learn about membership on Facebook. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest and YouTube.
Also, please consider voting for Point B Realty for Best of the Vineyard 2013 for Best Real Estate Company, voting ends March 31st. Thank you!