Superior’s women entrepreneurs find support, network at the monthly meetings
Published April 02, 2024 at 12:00 PM in Superior Telegram
SUPERIOR — Kelly Peterson expected about 10 women to attend the Superior Business Improvement District’s inaugural Women in Business gathering in February. More than 30 signed up
“I was floored by the amount of support, amount of registrations we got even for the first one,” said Peterson, executive director of the BID.
She wasn’t the only one.
“I didn’t even know there were 30 women that owned businesses in Superior,” said Christina Greene of Sellers Auction.
The program offers the women a new support network.
“Being a small-business owner can be challenging and having a group of women who are in the same boat as you is refreshing,” said Natalie Harris of Superior Waffles. “As women, sometimes some of us can take on the burden of juggling so many tasks and it can feel overwhelming. Having a group who understands and can come around and support each other is awesome.”
Gina Wheeler said she worked on a team of 20 people prior to owning The Pottery Burn Studio. Now, it’s just her. The meeting let her know she’s not alone.
“It’s cool to encounter people that are both in the same boat and are looking to expand their network and expand their community. I feel like I have a team again that is there to support and provide resources that I might not normally seek out myself,” Wheeler said.
Greene said she’s always looking for a reason to network in the community and let folks know Sellers Auction is based in Superior. She also went with questions.
“One thing that came up on the first meeting is one thing I’ve always been interested in finding out about — is how to get a college intern. And the second meeting, they invited a lady from UWS to come talk to us about how to get a college intern,” Greene said.
Peterson said the goal of the meetings was to bring together women who owned businesses in the 89-block BID area. Her favorite part of the job is meeting with owners. During those meetings, she learned that many weren’t getting information on grants and other supports available to them.
“I’ve wanted to make sure that … opportunities are shared with them so that they can be as successful as they can be. Everything makes Superior better, so start with our businesses,” Peterson said.
She mentioned the idea for the group to a few owners and got positive feedback. With help from Kara Gunderson with the Entrepreneur Fund and Amy Ugstad of One Up Creative, Peterson threw open the doors of the Superior Entrepreneurship Center Feb. 13. A flood of women business owners responded. Another big group participated in the March 12 meeting. Going forward, Peterson and Gunderson will helm the program.
Superior’s women entrepreneurs have appreciated the gatherings.
“If you have a need or a problem or a question, it’s pretty likely that someone else in the group has had that same issue,” Greene said.
Sometimes you’re the one asking the question, she said, and other times you’re the one with answers and advice to share. Networking is at the core of the group.
“We can collaborate, bounce ideas around and learn from one another. And be honest and vulnerable, like ‘Hey, I’m having a hard time. Anyone else feeling this way?’ And then having other women say ‘Yes, I feel that! If you ever need anything, even a hug, come on over or give me a call,’ is so encouraging. I’d recommend it,” Harris said.
Wheeler said it’s a space where women business owners can be taken seriously and get to know each other.
“It was cool to see a lot of faces that I’ve seen on social media in person and then reconnect them to the businesses they own,” Wheeler said.
The monthly meetings are meant to be informal and fun with presenters on topics that the women express interest in, such as human resources and academic service learning. Greene likened it to a blank canvas that is being tailored to the needs of the business owners who attend.
Although the BID area is the primary focus of the program, women business owners from other areas of Superior and Douglas County are welcome to attend.
“We want people to know that the BID welcomes them if they’re from another part of town, too, or the county — that would be great,” Peterson said.
Visit the Superior Business Improvement District website, superiorbid.com/ , and click on “Women in Business” under the services tab for more information and to register for upcoming events. A list of business, educational and training resources for women business owners is also available online through the BID.
Maria Lockwood covers news in Douglas County, Wisconsin, for the Superior Telegram.