October 2021 – More from the Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell

Discussion with Sustainable Fashion Founder Anne Marie Johnson

Anne Marie Johnson - founder of Bitter Grace

This October 24, 2021 Fortune article shares an interview with Anne Marie Johnson about the founding of her sustainable fashion company, Bitter Grace, and the company’s first few years in business. During the discussion, she shares that the goal of her company is to present a holistic approach to help women align their external selves with their inner selves in order to be as authentic as possible. Johnson also discusses strategic decisions that enabled the company to grow throughout the pandemic and where she sees the company heading in the next five years.

Offering Free Childcare Slashes Turnover At Small Business

In this article from Fast Company, Starr Edwards, founder of Bitchin’ Sauce, shares how offering free childcare augmented retention and hiring, especially during the worst of the pandemic. Edwards shares, ” Everyone touts work-life balance—and this is one of the most essential forms of that. Can you care for your family and work at the same time? If people can find ways of doing that, whether it’s subsidizing outside care or doing it internally like we have, I think ultimately it’s in the company’s best interest.”

Institute Impacts Women Entrepreneurs in Jacksonville, FL

The Institute was mentioned by Bank of America Jacksonville Market President Mark Bennett during an interview with Melissa Ross of WJCT News (NPR) Jacksonville as part of her First Coast Connect program and her Women’s Small Business Month series. Mark highlighted how the Institute is helping women in Jacksonville grow their businesses. His comments begin just past 53:50.

Bank of America Launches Capital Directory for Women Entrepreneurs

Bank of America, in partnership with Seneca Women, announced the launch of the Bank of America Access to Capital Directory. This platform was created to help educate women-owned businesses in the U.S. on navigating the capital landscape and identify potential sources of funding, such as equity, debt and grant capital. Click here to read the press release. Click here to access the directory.