BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Women Business Collaborative - ECPv6.14.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women Business Collaborative REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250521 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250523 DTSTAMP:20260501T002435 CREATED:20250111T231623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T151719Z UID:45702-1747785600-1747958399@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Women's Capital Summit 2025 DESCRIPTION:2025 WBC Women’s Capital Summit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Investing for Impact: Connecting Leading Women Entrepreneurs and the Investors Who Fund Them\n \nThe third annual Women’s Capital Summit was held in New York\, NY\, on May 21-22\, 2025. The two-day event convened nearly 240 entrepreneurs\, investors\, partners\, and stakeholders for a dynamic two-day event focused on unlocking capital for women-led businesses. The Summit provided a strategic platform to educate attendees on the evolving capital landscape in 2025 and explore how capital influences growth at every stage of a company’s journey. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summit Highlights and Outcomes \n \n \n \n \nA Capital Community\, Connected: The 2025 Women’s Capital Summit had a total of 237 participants\, representing 235 unique organizations. Among the attendees were 102 entrepreneurs\, 83 capital providers\, and 50 speakers\, while WBC also welcomed industry experts\, WBC Partner Organizations\, Sponsors\, and Champions to the program.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Entrepreneurs Across Industries: The Summit attracted a broad and diverse range of entrepreneurs from various industries. Technology led as the top industry focus (24.49%)\, followed by Healthcare (14.29%) and Finance (12.24%). “Other” represents sectors such as Education\, Retail\, Manufacturing\, and Real Estate\, highlighting a broad but tech-forward entrepreneur base.Capital Matchmaking & Deal Flow: The Summit facilitated nearly 40 curated investor-founder meetings\, fostering real-time feedback\, connections\, and capital conversations\, with ongoing follow-up to track funding outcomes.Expert-Led Business Workshops: Eight interactive breakout sessions delivered actionable insights on funding\, scaling\, and strategic exits—equipping attendees with practical tools from top legal\, finance\, and private equity experts.Marketplace & Reception: The WCS Marketplace featured 17 women-led businesses\, offering visibility and networking during a high-energy reception that connected founders\, funders\, and partners in a celebratory close to the dayEvery Kind of Capital: Participating capital providers spanned the spectrum of capital with debt\, venture\, private equity firms. These investors show a strong interest across a diverse range of industries\, including leading sectors like Technology & Software\, Financial Services & Banking\, and Healthcare\, as well as emerging areas such as Renewable Energy and CleanTech. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opportunity for All-Sized Ventures: The typical investment range of providers is under $500\,000\, with investors seeking to fund in mid-sized investments\, primarily in the $1–10 million range\, indicating a focus on early to growth-stage funding rounds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summit Gallery \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Include: \n \n \n \n \nStephen Amdur\nPartner – Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Lead\, Pillsbury\n\nKelly Arena\nFounder\, Golden Hour Ventures\n\nKaren A. Artasanchez\nShareholder\, WilkinGuttenplan\n\nErika Baez-Grimes\nCertified M&A Professional & Founder of THE BPH Group\n\nAngie Bastian\nCo-Founder\, Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP\n\nChristina Bresani\nManaging Director and Head of Mid-Cap Mergers & Acquisitions\, Wells Fargo & Company\n\nAlexandra (Allie) Cavallaro\nBusiness Development Officer\, Wells Fargo Capital Finance\n\nKrista Covey\nCEO & President\, First Flight Venture Center\n\nNadia Damouni\nPartner\, Prosek Partners\n\nAngela Dingle\nPresident and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy\n\nLucy Dobrin\nManaging Director\, Providence Equity Partners\n\nJesse Draper\nFounding Partner\, Halogen Ventures\n\nNorah Drummey\nPartner\, EY\n\nDamien Dwin\nFounder and CEO\, Lafayette Square\n\nCatherine Frazier\nNational Senior Loan Officer\, Momentous Capital\n\nLisa Friedlander\nChief Revenue Officer\, NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers\n\nMichelle Gasaway\nPartner – Capital Markets\, Skadden\n\nCorinne Goble\nCEO\, Association of Women's Business Centers\n\nAnouck Gotlib\nCEO\, Belgian Boys\n\nLaurie Hartman\nVice President and Senior Small Business Administration Sales Officer\, SBA Lending Group\, Wells Fargo & Company\n\nEda Henries\nFounder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.\n\nRuth Jacks\nExecutive Vice President\, Head of Diverse Segments\, Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo & Company\n\nRuth Jacks\nExecutive Vice President | Head of Wells Diverse Segments Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo\n\nArsha Jones\nCo-Founder and CEO\, Capital City\n\nAlex Jung\nBoard Director\, Investor and Strategic Advisor (former Partner and Head of Europe at Oak Hill Advisors)\n\nAli Kaminetsky\nFounder\, Modern Picnic\n\nTerry Keating\nManaging Partner\, Donald J. Keating & Sons\n\nPhala Kimbrough Mire\nPresident and CEO\, WBENC\, Metro NY and Greater DMV\n\nNorma Kuntz\nCEO\, Gordon Brothers\n\nLa Keisha Landrum-Pierre\nGeneral Partner and Co-Founder\, Emmeline Ventures\n\nAllison London Brown\nCEO/Co-Founder\, LUMINELLE\n\nCate Luzio\nFounder and CEO\, Luminary\n\nStephanie Marshall\nBoard President and Co-Founder\, Citrine Angels\n\nLoretta McCarthy\nCo-CEO and Managing Partner\, Golden Seeds\n\nLoretta McCarthy\nCo-CEO and Managing Partner\, Golden Seeds\n\nJoley Michaelson\nFounder and CEO\, The Sun Company\n\nJocelyn Moore\nCEO\, Jocelyn Moore Consulting LLC; Board Member: DraftKings\, OppFi\, FirstNet\n\nBetsy Morgan\nCo-Founder & Board Member\, TOGETHXR\, Magnet Companies\n\nKelly O’Connell\nManaging Partner\, 360 Venture Collective\n\nRamona Ortega\nCo-Founder and CEO\, WealthBuild\n\nEmily Reeves\nVice President – Capital Solutions\, Bridge Capital Management\n\nKathleen Reynolds\nCFO and Principal\, ProCFO Partners\n\nLori Ross-Avedikian\nHead of Women’s Segment – Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo & Company\n\nAnne Sempowski Ward\nChairwoman of the Board; Minority Owner\, Curio Brands; WNBA Chicago Sky and Fort Lauderdale United\n\nAllegra Stennett\nCo-Founder and Managing Partner\, New Majority Capital\n\nAndrea Stevenson Conner\nEcosystem Development Director\, First Flight Venture Center\n\nKim Storbeck\nCapital Consultant\n\nLaura Taylor\nSenior Vice President\, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement\n\nBlessy Thomas\nPartner\, Innovate Capital Growth Fund\n\nLe’Jean Thompson\nRegional Development Manager\, Founders First\n\nDr. Shakenna Williams\nExecutive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL)\, Babson College\n\nLaFonda Willis\nSecurities Lawyer\, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP\n\nKelly Ann Winget\nFounder and CEO\, Alternative Wealth Partners\n\nGwen K. Young\nCEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summit Agenda \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\, 2025 \n \n \n \n \n May 22\, 2025 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:30 pm: Arrival and Registration\, Capital Matchmaking Participants 12:45 pm-2:00pm: Capital Matchmaking (exclusively for participating entrepreneurs and investors; spots are limited) 1:30 pm: Arrival and Registration\, General Admission 2:15 pm: Welcome Remarks 2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions: Navigating Capital Round 1 (45 mins) – 2:30–3:15 Are you Angel Curious? Angel Investing 101This session will focus on what angels look for in investments\, and what entrepreneurs need to consider when raising funding from angels. The discussion will also provide an overview of what angel investing is and why it’s so important to get more women involved. This session will be relevant for both entrepreneurs and investors who may be considering becoming angel investors. Hosted by Lisa Friedlander and Stephanie Marshall\, co-founder of Citrine Angels\, an angel group of women investing in women.Lisa Friedlander\, Chief Revenue Officer\, NEXT powered by Shulman RogersStephanie Marshall\, Board President and Co-Founder\, Citrine AngelsBank Lending – Alternatives to a Cash Flow LoanWhen traditional cash flow lending is not the right fit or not sufficient\, there are other bank financing options available to support business growth and working capital needs. This session will highlight three alternatives – Asset Based Lending (ABL)\, SBA Lending\, and Equipment Finance – each offering unique benefits depending on a company’s financial profile and capital requirements. Attendees will gain insights into: how asset-based lending leverages receivables\, inventory\, and other collateral; the advantages and eligibility requirements of SBA-backed loan programs; and how equipment financing can help preserve cash / provide liquidity.Alexandra (Allie) Cavallaro\, Director\, Loan Originations\, Wells FargoLaurie Hartman\, Vice President\, SBA Lending\, Wells FargoJames E. Frantz\, Executive Director\, Lead Credit Product Sales Specialist\, Wells Fargo & CompanyStrategic Decision-Making for Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Ownership\, Corporate Governance\, and Legal ComplexitiesThis breakout panel session is your chance to gain invaluable insights into making informed decisions that align with your business goals. We’ll dive into critical considerations for women-owned businesses\, including the implications of different business structures (LLC\, partnership) on scaling\, capital raising\, and ownership. We’ll also explore the importance of WBENC certification and how it can impact your business’s growth and control. Plus\, you’ll walk away with essential legal insights on protecting your interests during negotiations and shaping the future of your business from now through to exit. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to optimize your business strategies and achieve your goals. Phala Kimbrough Mire\, President & CEO\, WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMVLaFonda Willis\, Securities Lawyer\, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP The Role of Accelerators: Catalyzing Business GrowthIn this breakout session\, leaders from top accelerator programs will share how they support and grow high-potential entrepreneurs. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how accelerators provide founders with critical resources — including mentorship\, funding access\, and strategic guidance — to accelerate growth and scale with confidence. Through real-world insights and examples\, attendees will learn what makes a successful accelerator experience\, how to identify the right program\, and how to fully leverage the opportunities these platforms offer. Whether you’re exploring accelerators for the first time or looking to deepen your engagement\, this session offers practical guidance from the experts who run them.Krista Covey\, CEO & President\, First Flight Venture CenterDr. Shakenna Williams\, Executive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL)\, Babson CollegeRound 2 (45 mins) – 3:30–4:15 Beyond the Bank: Unlocking GrowthWhether you’re just getting started or preparing for your next stage of growth\, securing the right kind of capital can make all the difference. In this interactive session\, our panel of seasoned funding experts will introduce you to practical financing pathways beyond traditional bank loans\, including asset-based lending\, equipment leasing\, and revenue-based financing. You’ll learn when each option is most appropriate\, how to assess the risks and benefits\, and what it takes to position your business to qualify. Together\, we’ll break down key financial considerations in plain language\, giving you the clarity and confidence to pursue capital that aligns with your growth goals. Join us to discover how you can unlock new opportunities and fund your future—beyond the bank.Kim Storbeck\, Director\, CSC LeasingTerry Keating\, Managing Partner\, Donald J. Keating & SonsLe’Jean Thompson\, Regional Business Manager – Northeast\, Founders FirstCapital Ready: Building Financial InfrastructureAt this session\, attendees will learn what’s important in building the kind of financial infrastructure that makes their business attractive to investors and buyers. We’ll cover the financial systems\, forecasting tools\, and internal controls that signal readiness and scalability. Attendees will gain insight into how to shape a compelling financial narrative that highlights the company’s strengths\, growth potential\, and value drivers—key elements that influence valuation. The session will also highlight the legal and governance framework that underpins investor confidence—ensuring that ownership\, financials\, and decision-making authority are all properly aligned. Ultimately\, this session will equip women business owners with the tools to be capital ready and investment-worthy.Stephen Amdur\, Partner – Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Lead\, PillsburyKaren A. Artasanchez\, Shareholder\, WilkinGuttenplanKathleen Reynolds\, CFO and Principal\, ProCFO PartnersThe Current Landscape of Public Funding for BusinessesGain insights into the current landscape of public funding for businesses from a panel of national leaders in grassroots advocacy\, program development\, and community support for women-owned enterprises. Hear from leadership at Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)\, Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) in discussion with Women Business Collaborative (WBC). This session will offer practical perspectives on current discussions within nonprofit organizations that support women entrepreneurs\, key developments in the social\, economic\, and political climate\, and strategies for navigating public funding opportunities in 2025. It is essential for entrepreneurs seeking to access and effectively leverage public resources to grow and sustain their businesses.Angela Dingle\, President and CEO\, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)Corinne Goble\, CEO\, Association of Women’s Business CentersGwen K. Young\, CEO\, WBCPower Moves & Smart Exits: Mergers\, Acquisitions\, and Ownership TransitionsThis breakout session is designed for founders\, owners and aspiring entrepreneurs thinking about what’s next. This dynamic session will unpack real-world strategies for positioning you to enter Entrepreneurship through Acquisition or prepare your enterprise for a strong exit—whether through a sale\, merger\, or internal succession. Erika & Allegra will share insights from the front lines of the M&A world\, including how to avoid common pitfalls and create value buyers can’t ignore. If you’re planning or ready to move now\, this session will equip you with actionable steps to navigate your transition with clarity and confidence.Erika Baez-Grimes\, CM&AP Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional | Senior Business Broker – Transworld Business AdvisorsAllegra Stennett\, Co-Founder and Managing Partner\, New Majority Capital4:15 pm: Break 4:30 pm: In the Arena Fireside Chat – Women Investors in SportsFramed by WBC’s In the Arena: Women in Sports Business initiative\, this fireside chat will explore the rapidly growing leadership of women investors in the sports industry\, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping the landscape for major organizations such as the WNBA\, USL Super League\, and the NWLS. With a focus on the intersection of sports and capital\, the panel will provide insights into how to navigate this emerging and dynamic industry and spotlight the expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and leaders in the business of sports. Moderator: Jocelyn Moore\, Independent Board Director\, DraftKings; Minority Owner\, USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FCPanelists:Lucy Dobrin\, Managing Partner\, Providence Equity PartnersBetsy Morgan\, Co-Founder\, Magnet Companies\, and Board Member\, TOGETHXRAnne Sempowski Ward\, Chairwoman of the Board\, SPS Commerce\, Vanda Pharmaceuticals\, Curio Brands\, and The Lip Bar; Minority Owner\, WNBA Chicago Sky and USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC5:30 pm: Opening Reception and Women’s Business Marketplace 7:00 pm: Reception Concludes \n \n \n 8:00 am: Arrival\, Breakfast and Networking 9:00 am: Building an Ecosystem: Connections and CapitalWelcome remarks from Women Business Collaborative CEO\, Gwen K. Young 9:05 am: From Kernel to Empire: Building a Successful BrandA Fireside Chat with Angie Bastian\, Founder of BoomChickaPop led by WBC CEO Gwen K. YoungIn this candid keynote conversation moderated by WBC CEO Gwen K. Young\, BoomChickaPop Founder Angie Bastian will tell the story behind the creation and growth of her snack empire—from the early days of popping corn in her garage to a major acquisition by Amplify Snacks. Attendees will gain insight into the unique challenges women face in scaling consumer brands\, the realities of navigating acquisition\, and the mentorship that exist for women entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market. 9:40 am: Navigating the Landscape of CapitalAccessing capital is critical for growth\, but navigating the array of available options can be challenging. This session will provide clarity on selecting the right capital provider for your business\, understanding investor goals\, and making decisions based on your company’s strategy. Join our panel as they explore the diverse funding paths and discuss strategies for scaling your business with the right investments. Moderator: Andrea Stevenson Conner\, Ecosystem Development Director\, First Flight Venture CenterPanelists:Debt SegmentCatherine Frazier\, National Senior Loan Officer\, Momentous CapitalEmily Reeves\, Vice President\, Capital Solutions\, BridgeLori Avedikian\, Head of Women’s Segment\, Commercial Banking\, Wells FargoCapital SegmentKelley Arena\, Founder\, Golden Hour VenturesLoretta McCarthy\, Co-CEO and Managing Partner\, Golden SeedsBlessy Thomas\, Partner\, Innovate Capital Growth Fund10:45 am: Coffee Break 11:00 am: Setting the Table: Understanding Early-Stage CapitalEarly-stage capital is key to setting the right foundation for your business’s long-term growth. This session will delve into how to structure your business for investment from the beginning\, with a focus on building traction for accelerating growth. Mico-Panel 1:Ali Kaminetsky\, Founder\, Modern PicnicKelly O’Connell\, Managing Partner\, 360 Venture CollectiveRamona Ortega\, Co-Founder and CEO\, WealthBuildMico-Panel 2:Joley Michaelson\, President & CEO\, The Sun CompanyKelly Ann Winget\, Founder and CEO\, Alternative Wealth Partners11:50 am: The Power of Women-Owned BusinessesPresenting Sponsor Remarks from Wells Fargo Ruth Jacks\, Executive Vice President\, Head of Diverse Segments\, Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo12:00 pm: Networking LunchJoin us for a facilitated Networking Lunch where you will have the chance to engage in thematic conversations around the Summit’s key topics. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, exchange insights\, and forge meaningful relationships. 1:15 pm: Midday Fireside Chat – Building the Future Business Landscape Damien Dwin\, Founder and CEO\, Lafayette Square CapitalArsha Jones\, Co-Founder and CEO\, Capital City Mambo Sauce2:00 pm: Growth Capital Unlocked: Funding Your Next StageScaling a business requires strategic use of capital\, smart decision-making\, and the right financial partnerships. In this session\, our panel of experts will explore how to leverage growth capital effectively\, maximize investment impact\, and navigate the challenges of scaling. Learn how entrepreneurs and investors can align strategies to drive sustainable expansion and long-term success. Moderator: La Keisha Landrum-Pierre\, Co-Founder & General Partner\, Emmeline VenturesAnouck Gotlib\, CEO\, Belgian BoysAlex Jung\, Managing Partner and Co-Founder\, Amateras Capital2:25 pm: “Stretch” Break 2:35 pm: Mergers & Acquisitions as a Growth StrategyMergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be powerful tools for scaling women-owned businesses. This session will explore how M&A strategies can unlock transformational growth and create new opportunities for expansion and market penetration. Moderator: Christina Bresani\, Managing Director and Head of Mid-Cap Mergers & Acquisitions\, Wells FargoPanelists:Nadia Damouni\, Partner\, Prosek PartnersNorah Drummey\, Partner\, EYMichelle Gasaway\, Partner – Capital Markets\, SkaddenCate Luzio\, Founder and CEO Luminary3:15 pm: Engineering Your Exit: Envisioning the Future of Your Company While Building ItAs your business grows\, it’s essential to think about its future. This session will discuss the importance of planning your exit strategy early and how to integrate it into your company’s broader growth plan. Moderator: Eda Henries\, Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.Panelists:Norma Kuntz\, CEO\, Gordon BrothersAllison London Brown\, Co-Founder\, LUMINELLE3:55 pm: Closing Fireside Chat: Building the Future Business Landscape Jesse Draper\, Founder and CEO\, Halogen Ventures4:20 pm: Closing RemarksGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative 5:15 pm: Closing Reception Concludes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank You! \n \n \n \n Thank you to our 2025 WCS Steering Committee\, speakers\, attendees\, WBC Partner Organizations\, Sponsors and Champions for making this event possible and impactful. \nWCS 2025 generated an overwhelming wave of gratitude\, energy\, and purpose from its attendees. Each session\, every meeting\, and every panel was crafted to elevate the funding readiness of women entrepreneurs and expose capital providers to investable\, scalable\, high-performing ventures. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit-2025/ LOCATION:Wells Fargo Connections\, 150 East 42nd Street\, New York\, New York CATEGORIES:Investment,Summit ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WCS-2025-Slider-Register.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR