First, the gala. It was a blast. Great food, great networking, and a great keynote speech by Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

KANDY sponsored the program by providing a $750 value for expanded home experiences from KANDY Outdoor Flooring in the silent auction.KANDY’s relationship with FWE goes back to FWE’s inception. Kelly Niessen, KANDY Co-Founder, served on the Board of Directors for its first ten years and has participated in every one of its programs, including graduating from the e-series.

“Everything I know about being an entrepreneur I learned either through first hand experience- or through FWE! The people I have met throughout the years through the FWE have helped me in more ways than I can say,” says Kelly. “KANDY Outdoor Flooring is where it is today at least in part due to the support of FWE.”

But this isn’t about us. Here are 7 reasons to support the FWE – join, donate, or attend an event:

1) Information. Have a question related to being a female entrepreneur? FWE either has the answer, or will get it for you.

2) Education. For example, the E-Series program is like a mini-MBA for entrepreneurs. And that’s just one of the programs.

3) Empowerment. Embrace momentum! It’s all about creating “wildly successful" women entrepreneurs.

4) Connections. An entrepreneur’s path can feel lonely sometimes. From mentoring programs to speakers’ series, FWE shows you that you’re not alone!

5) Resources. Where else do you go for information on raising capital, patent or trademark applications, hiring, etcetera? FWE can point you in the right direction.

6) Support. 1-on-1 coaching sessions. Mentoring.  You need it? FWE offers it.

7) Community. We’re all in this together!

So we applaud the FWE, we cheer them on, we honour them. It really is where magic happens.