Connecting Women in Business (CWIB)

2025 Connecting Women in Business Schedule
Registration & networking 11:30am-noon and program and lunch noon – 1pm unless noted otherwise.

January 28 - North Central Michigan College Library Conference Room - We start off the New Year with a housing discussion with Emily Boehm of Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, Heidi Shearer of Pine Pond Homes and Sarah Ford of Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.  

February 25- The Perry Hotel - Join us for a discussion focused on Building a Better Workplace with Jenna Lindenberg of Drost Landscape, Wendy Nellett of Harbor Shores Cleaning Company and Niki Richards of Klepadlo Winnell Nuorala PC.  

March 18 - Talcott Center, Walloon Village - We will talk with three women entrepreneurs about their businesses. Joining us are Jackie Garret of Vilah Bloom, Taylor Malpass of Iron Goat Coffee Company and Sweetater Floral. You will hear about their journey, challenges and lessons learned and more about happenings in Walloon Village, including many women-owned businesses.

April 23 -We are shifting gears. With all that our communities are facing right now, We are shifting the theme for the April 23 Luncheon to: Rooted in Resilience: Pause and Prioritize Yourself. In the aftermath of a storm that has tested us all, many are still navigating the emotional, mental, and physical toll—often while putting others’ needs before their own. This month’s Women’s Luncheon invites you to take a breath, take a break, and take care of you. 

May 20 - Stafford's Bay View - We are pleased to partner with Dr. Caitlyn Monks of Munson Healthcare to present Hormone Health: Navigating Menopause and Perimenopause with Confidence. Dr. Monks will empower women through the hormone changes associated with perimenopause and beyond.

June 24 - Inn at Bay Harbor - Exploring Therapy - a discussion with Hannah Hoffman and Carolyne Stolzenfels.. Hannah is the owner of Remedies in Rhythm and utilizes music therapy to assist people.  Carolyne is the owner of Wildfire Dreams and utilizes horses for healing to assist people. Registration Closes at 5pm on June 19. Any cancellations or no-shows after this time will be charged. 

September 23  - Room 94 Taps & Bourbon, inside Odawa Casino - Luncheon features the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and their Engaging Wellness Initiative. 

October 28 - Showcase of area women businesses – Grand Unity Event Center - 11:30-1:30pm - come shop and support local women-owner businesses.

November 18 - Native American Heritage Month – Odawa Hotel. We will have a welcome video from Chair Winnay Wemigwase and Vice Chair Eva Oldman, as they will be attending the National Congress of American Indians Convention and unable to join us in person.  For the panel discussion, we will be joined by Billi Jo Head, Department of Commerce Director; Denise Petoskey, Human Resources Director and Mae Wright Tribal Historic Preservation Officer & NAGPRA Representative. REGISTER HERE.

2026 GO Grants Program now accepting applications

Download Application and full details here in Microsoft Word format

Download Application form and details here in PDF format
 

Go Grants provides small grants up to $600 to girls in grades 5 to 10 in the Char-Em ISD service area to young girls in the area who have an idea and a passion to try something new. These grants of up to $600, allow the applicant to pursue a special interest, gain or improve a skill, participate in an outdoor experience and more. We encourage applications that will be challenging to the applicant.

Since 2010, we have given over 262 girls $99,000 in GO Grants.

It is important that the girls and their mentor fill out the application completely, answering questions on a separate sheet of paper. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the rules and guidelines on the application carefully. Together we can help girls fulfill their dreams, and reinforce their importance to our community.