Women in Entrepreneurship: A Panel Discussion to take place at Barrel + Beam on Thursday

MARQUETTE — Thursday evening, Innovate Marquette SmartZone will be holding an event for women looking to network with and learn from other female entrepreneurs.

Women in Entrepreneurship: A Panel Discussion will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Barrel + Beam in Marquette.

As part of Innovate Marquette SmartZone’s mission to enhance the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the panel discussion will feature four area female entrepreneurs.

Innovate Marquette Smartzone Marketing Manager Kylie Bunting says that Thursday’s event is a great way for women to network with one another and to learn from each other’s experiences.

“It’s a good opportunity for women to maybe get out of their comfort zone and connect with other women to see what they’re doing and what kind of challenges there might be for them as well,” said Bunting. “And then maybe that will inspire them to take the next step in starting their own business or making a change that they’d like to make in their leadership role at work or something along those lines.”

Speakers include Beth Millner of Beth Millner Jewelry, Michele Dupras of Revisions Design Studio, Sarah Ruuska of Lutey’s Flower Shop, and children’s book author and consultant Carrie Pearson. The panel will be moderated by Ruth Solinski, human resources manager for RTI Surgical.

Both men and women are welcome to attend the event. Innovate Marquette SmartZone hopes that those looking to begin their entrepreneurial journey will find the motivation and information they need to get started.

“It’s important for anybody to get out there and do the things that they’ve always wanted to do,” said Bunting. “And it’s kind of scary at first. So I think once you hear other peoples’ stories, it can inspire you to do something that maybe you’ve been thinking about doing or planning on doing. And I think it’s important for women to get out there and follow their dreams and start their own businesses and get involved in the community, and this is a great way to take that first step.”

The evening will begin with a beer and wine tasting at 6:00, and the panel discussion will start at 6:30. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions of the panelists throughout the event.

The Women in Entrepreneurship panel is free for anyone to attend, although anyone interested is encouraged to RSVP online as seats are filling quickly. You can RSVP for the event here or by going to the Innovate Marquette SmartZone Facebook page.