Connecting Women in Business (CWIB)

2026 Connecting Women in Business Schedule
Registration & networking 11:30am-noon and program and lunch noon – 1pm unless noted otherwise.

January 27 - North Central Michigan College Library Conference Room - 2026 Refresh: Your Space for Success. We start off the New Year with a panel discussion with Wendy Nellett of Harbor Shores Cleaning Company, Michelle Powell of Spruce Organizing and Kalin Sheick of Sweetwater Floral. They will share tips for decluttering, organizing, cleaning and more to kick off your 2026. Register TODAY HERE. Registration closes at 5pm on Jan. 22.

February 24 - The Inn at Bay Harbor - Join us for a discussion focused on organizations making significant impact in our community with Stephanie Light from Kiersten's Ride, Barb Weston of Harbor Hall and Caitlin Koucky of Community Recovery Alliance.

March 17 - Talcott Center, Walloon Village - We will talk with three women entrepreneurs about their businesses and journeys. Joining us are Eeva Oldman of Elder Piper Beer & Cider, Kelly Nash of Under The Stars Glamping and 1902 Resorts and Retreats and Christine Donovan of The Bahnhof.

April 28 - Room 94 Taps & Bourbon inside Odawa Hotel - Go Grants Fundraising Luncheon. This is the annual Connecting Women in Business GO GRANTS Fundraiser Luncheon that features an amazing silent auction and a higher admission price.  The money raised by the silent auction goes directly to Go Grants. Your business can support the silent auction and the Go Grants by being a sponsor of this event and by making a silent auction donation. Consider putting together a gift basket to donate. 

May 19 - Courtyard by Marriott at Victories Square - featuring Jackie Krawczak You Belong Here: Overcoming Your Imposter Syndrome.

June 23 - North Central Michigan College Library Conference Room - featuring Payton Heins of Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. Learn how NLEA drives economic development and supports businesses in our region.

September 22  - Courtyard by Marriott at Victories Square. 

October 27 - Showcase of area women businesses – Grand Unity Event Center - 11:30-1:30pm - come shop and support local women-owner businesses.

November 17 - Native American Heritage Month – Odawa Hotel. A panel discussion with women leaders of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. 

2026 GO Grants Program now accepting applications

Download Application and full details here in Microsoft Word format

Download Application form and details here in PDF format
 

Go Grants provides small grants up to $600 to girls in grades 5 to 10 in the Char-Em ISD service area to young girls in the area who have an idea and a passion to try something new. These grants of up to $600, allow the applicant to pursue a special interest, gain or improve a skill, participate in an outdoor experience and more. We encourage applications that will be challenging to the applicant.

Since 2010, we have given over 262 girls $99,000 in GO Grants.

It is important that the girls and their mentor fill out the application completely, answering questions on a separate sheet of paper. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the rules and guidelines on the application carefully. Together we can help girls fulfill their dreams, and reinforce their importance to our community.