Women entrepreneurs get Kellogg boost

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Kellogg Foundation is backing two non-profit organizations, Count Me In and Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, looking to give female entrepeneurs a helping hand.

The organizations will come together to host a conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, March 15 and 16. The goal is to give women business owners the resources to help them reach revenues of $250,000.

"Count Me In is very much an advocate of economic development and empowerment," local coordinator Sandra Upton said. "The whole idea is to really empower women economically and get them to a place where their businesses are flourishing from a financial perspective."

Tammy Newhof, one of last year's winners, opened her business in 2006. She told 24 Hour News 8 the resources have made a huge impact on Windborne Studios, where she designs and creates knobs and handles made of glass and metal.

"I'm just going to take tremendous amounts of resources away from this," Newhof said. "I've made goals. I have a strategic plan and then I know how to implement these."

Hundreds of women will pitch their business models at the conference. The 18 best pitches get backed with resources, coaching and a large network.

The conference was created to help women who desire to grow their business, according to Upton.

Some requirements may sift out many interested in the event, however. Before receiving resources, the business must be at least 50% woman-owned and already have revenues ranging from $50,000 and $150,000. Upton still encourages all women to participate.

Ramona Clark, the owner of Tranquility Beauty Salon, is hoping to successfully pitch. She's determined to grow her business.

"I started with a little bit of nothing, just one stylist," Clark said. "We started piece by piece. We didn't have our styling chairs. We only had one shampoo bowl. Now, we have grown and I know it's going to get even better."

"It's really nice to have a group of women that are going through the same challenges that you are," Newhof said. "You have a business and you want to grow it, and get it to the next level. You need a little help to get there."