Women in Entrepreneurship WIE Connect
What is WIE Connect?
WIE Connect is a recurring Women in Entrepreneurship community-building program,
sponsored by Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership. WIE Connect
provides a venue for women to connect to resources, people, opportunities and networks
in the Illinois entrepreneurship ecosystem and for women entrepreneurs to present to a
supportive community and obtain feedback on their ventures. WIE Connect events include
announcements with new entrepreneurship opportunities, a 6-min presentation by an
entrepreneur, a 20-min interactive Q & A between the presenter and the community, and
time for making connections during a mixer with light refreshments.
Apply to Present Your Entrepreneurial Venture:
Women affiliated with the University of Illinois (students, faculty/staff, or alumnae) who
are working on a new venture created within the past 5 years (e.g., startup, small business,
social enterprise) are welcome to apply to be a presenter at WIE Connect. Presentations
are NOT investor or sales pitches, but should provide information that is useful for a mixed
audience to understand what you are doing with your venture as well as some challenges
or questions for which you would like some fresh perspective, expert advice, new ideas, or
leads for help or resources. Apply here: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/WIEConnectApplication
Who Should Participate?
Women and equity-minded allies who are committed to contributing to a supportive
community and increasing access to knowledge, resources, and networks for women in the
entrepreneurship ecosystem are welcome. WIE Connect is for both novice and experienced
entrepreneurs, students with a desire to learn more about entrepreneurship, and
professionals, educators, students, and entrepreneurship ecosystem supporters who want
to help entrepreneurs with thoughtful questions, new insights, expertise, or connections.
WIE Connect is NOT a “professional networking” event that requires a formal dress code.
Please join us if you want to learn, build community, and support women entrepreneurs
and innovators. For questions, contact Valeri Werpetinski at werpetin@illinois.edu.
Register for Fall 2021 WIE Connect Events:
All events are located in Rm 2011 BIF (Business Instructional Facility), 515 E Gregory Dr.
Thurs, Sept 23, 5-6 PM: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/WIEConnect92321
Thurs, Oct 21, 5-6 PM: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/WIEConnect102121
Thurs, Dec 2, 5-6 PM: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/WIEConnect12221