Women's Entrepreneurship


 

Annual Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

Annual Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

Each year West Chester University is proud to celebrate women entrepreneurship. The Cottrell Center hosts various activities and workshops to support entrepreneurs,  including the annual WCU Women's Entrepreneurship Conference. This signature event provides an opportunity to make new connections and explore the endless possibilities that come with being an entrepreneur.

This year marks the 11th Anniversary of the WCU Women's Entrepreneurship Conference. The theme of this year's conference is Empowerment Through Collaboration: Creating Space for Women Everywhere.

This year the Chamber Alliance of Chester County is partnering with WCU to develop the programming for this year's conference. They have organized a series of four breakout sessions on the following topics: Talent Engagement, Brand Storytelling, Managing Stress/Burnout and Effective Communication.

2024 WCU Women's Entrepreneurship Conference Breakout Sessions   Conference Speakers

This year's keynote speaker is Gina Schaeffer, Co-Founder and Former CEO Logan Hardware and author, “Recovery Hardware”. The featured closing speaker is Cherri Gregg, Public Media Host, Lawyer and Entrepreneur.

The conference is co-hosted by The Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center and SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties in partnership with The Chamber Alliance of Chester County. The presenting sponsor of the conference is Citadel Credit Union.

This event will be held in-person at the Sykes Student Union Center West Chester University Campus, 110 Rosedale Avenue on Friday, October 18th 7:45am-1:30pm.

2024 Conference PDF   Register to attend the Conference

Presenting Sponsor

Partner

Below is an archive of each conference, in which the promotional material, contact information of speakers & panelists, and additional information can be found.

2023 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the WCU Women's Entrepreneurship Conference. The theme of this year's conference is “Embrace the Past to Shape Your Future”. An Educational Conference focused on how to face challenges, seize opportunities, find support and achieve success.

The conference is co-hosted by The Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center and SCORE of Chester and Delaware County. The conference is sponsored by Citadel, The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and Stefano Slack, Ltd. Thank you to our partners: The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, The Chester County Chamber of Commerce and the WCU student organization Women in Business.

This event will be held in-person at the Science, Engineering & Commons Center (SECC) University Avenue, West Chester University Campus on Friday, October 20th 8:00am-1:00pm.

2023 Conference PDF

2022 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

The theme of the 2022 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference is "Driving Success and Being Your Best". An Educational Conference focused on how to face challenges, seize opportunities, find support and grow your business.

The conference is sponsored by Citadel and QVC. Thank you to our partners: Chester County Women's Business Connection; i2n, an initiative of The Chester County Economic Development Center and The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to our co-host: SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties.

This event will be held in-person at the West Chester University Foundation on Friday, October 21st 8:00am-1:00pm.

Speakers, Panelists, and Moderators

2022 Conference PDF

2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

The theme of the 2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference is focused on how to seize opportunities, face challenges, find support, and continue to grow your business.

The conference is sponsored by BB&T Now Truist, and QVC. Thank you to our partners: WCU Foundation, and Chester County Fund for Women & Girls. Thank you to our co-hosts: SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties, and Women's Business Connection. 

This event will be held in-person at the West Chester University Foundation on Friday, October 22nd 8:00am-1:00pm. 

Speakers, Panelists, and Moderators

2021 Conference PDF

Livestream Video

2020 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

The theme of the 2020 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference focused on seizing opportunities during difficult times.

The conference was sponsored by BB&T Now Truist. Thank you to our partners: WCU Foundation, and Chester County Fund for Women & Girls. Thank you to our co-hosts: SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties, and Women's Business Connection. 

View the Promotional VIdeo

View the Virtual Event Platform

2020 Conference PDF

2019 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference

The theme of the 2019 Women's Entrepreneurship Conference focused on the unique joys and challenges of women entrepreneurs.

The conference was sponsored by QVC, and Bryn Mawr Trust. Thank you to our partners: WCU Foundation, and Chester County Economic Development Council. Thank you to our co-hosts: SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties, and Women's Business Connection. 

More information on the conference

View the registration page

 

Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

 

Women's Entrepreneurship Week