Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and the Wisconsin Women’s Council are seeking nominations for the 2014 Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business.
“Women-owned businesses have been providing family supporting jobs for generations,” said Christine Lidbury, executive director of the Wisconsin Women’s Council. “By starting and sustaining businesses, exploring markets, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, Wisconsin women business owners play a leading role in our economy. We are honored to recognize these trailblazing entrepreneurs whose leadership and success provides jobs, promotes innovation, and benefits communities.”
“Private sector businesses are key to our state’s job creation strategies,” Walker said. “We are fortunate to have many women who have started a business and now employ their fellow Wisconsinites. I hope these nominees can serve as role models to other women who are considering opening a business and creating jobs.”
Recognizing the substantial contribution women business owners make to Wisconsin’s economy, the Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business are designed to acknowledge the lasting economic impact provided by women who brought their vision to the marketplace at a time when there were few role models and resources to do so.
“Women-owned businesses are leading the way in our new economy,” Kleefisch said. “As our state strives to regain our economic strength, it’s critical that we recognize the leadership these women have demonstrated in running their own businesses and creating family sustaining jobs. They are truly role models for taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to moving our state forward.”
Award categories include the Business Pioneer Awards honoring businesses with sole or majority ownership by a woman, or series of women, for 25 years or more; and Torchbearer Awards honoring family-owned businesses that are currently run by a female relative of the founder and have been in operation for three generations or more.
The awards program also has announced that it has received a $5,000 grant from BMO Harris Bank to support women in business.
The online nomination form, eligibility guidelines and information on past award winners are available at www.womenscouncil.wi.gov.
