The belief of the LWE network is that investing in women is simply smart business. Therefore, we launched the LWE W.I.L.L. Fund which invests in women entrepreneurs through our Socialpreneur Initiative in partnership with Women’s Day Magazine.
The winner receives a feature story in Women Day which reaches over 20 million women nationally. In addition, the winner gets marketing strategies, access to the LWE online community and $2500 through our Provident Bank partnership.
Female entrepreneurs are often the innovators who have the potential to scale their businesses and contribute to the economy in countless ways. Ultimate success requires access to capital and influential, collaborative, networks to propel growth – the same qualities that build market-leading companies. However, less then 3 % of women owned companies get investment funds.
This fund builds on the research that indicates that companies started by women are more successful in many ways: higher returns on equity, lowered risk, greater innovation, greater long-term orientation and greater client focus.
The fund represents a means for us to turn our beliefs into action by directing capital to these companies; it thus represents a market-based solution to a business opportunity and challenge.
Starting in 2019, a portion of the network’s revenues on LWECONNECTS.com will be invested in the fund. So by investing in yourself by joining the LWE network, you are helping us invest in other women.
Want to invest directly? As a member of the network, you will have the opportunity to invest directly into the fund. Stay tuned for details or email [email protected] for more information.
The 2017 honoree was Julie Lineberger the Founder of Wheel Pad. Take a look at her story:
SOCIALPRENEUR
Julie Lineberger-Wheel Pad L3C
Julie Lineberger, EdM Harvard, is President of Wheel Pad L3C, and CEO of LineSync Architecture, a green and sustainable firm in southern Vermont with numerous awards for both Design and Business Management. She is involved with B Lab, Green America, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Board of Directors.
The 2017 winner, Julie Lineberger, was picked from a group of finalists who were featured in the November issue of Woman’s Day Magazine. This year’s winner, Julie Lineberger, is a wonderful example of how entrepreneurial thinking can be harnessed to help people, in this case inventing a short-term housing solution ideal for people with disabilities. She is truly inspirational.”
Transitioning from Rehab to Independence
WHEEL PAD is a 200 square foot accessible bedroom and bathroom module that can be temporarily attached to an existing home. Constructed with technology borrowed from the recreational vehicle (RV) industry, Wheel Pad can sit on a property without triggering zoning or building permit issues. Wheel Pad provides temporary accessible housing for people recently confined to a wheelchair, allowing friends and/or family to provide support until permanent accessible housing can be arranged.
See Julie’s full inspirational story behind the idea for Wheel Pad at:
www.wheelpad.com
The 2018 Honoree is Amy
Amy is a writer, artist, and teacher. After she lost her voice in 2015, when her vocal cord became paralyzed during open-heart surgery, she thought her life was over. Instead, she discovered a new world of peace, joy, and creativity through collage art. A year later, she had a miraculous surgery that restored her voice. With a new voice and outlook on life, she decided she wanted to help other’s find a creative outlet and started her business, Art from the Heart. She provides guests with the materials, instructions, and inspiration to create their own unique and personal piece of art. Whether it’s a small “Home Party” or a large “Corporate Event”, she brings her talent and creativity to teach other’s how to make beautiful and unique art collages. Her mission is to give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to be creative and express themselves.
