Five women-owned businesses in Northeast Ohio have been selected by Springboard Enterprises to showcase their companies and participate in a networking program, Build it Big: Cleveland. The companies, selected for their high growth potential and track record of milestone achievements, will present their businesses at a showcase on September 14 at Key Tower.

The five companies represent the diversity of enterprises in Northeast Ohio -- from retail and publications to business products and services to social media. The companies are: All Points Connect, Mindset Digital, iGuiders, Bonitas International and Your Teen magazine.

"Build it Big identifies companies that already have successes and want to achieve that next milestone," explains Katie Gage, manager of programming for Springboard. "It's a chance to plug them in to the entrepreneurial community."

Twelve finalists were selected from a pool of applicants to interview for Build It Big: Cleveland. After a 10-minute presentation and 15 minutes of Q & A, the five companies were chosen. "They are now meeting with Springboard partners in advisory sessions to address strategies for growth," says Gage.

The Springboard partners include KeyCorp, Meaden & Moore, and Thompson Hine. Since January, 2000, Springboard has helped over 400 women-led companies raise more than $5 billion in equity financing, including 8 IPOs, and legions of high value M&As. Eighty percent of Springboard companies are still in business, generating $4 billion in revenues and creating tens of thousands of new jobs.


Source: Katie Gage
Writer: Karin Connelly