The third annual Take Flight Business Conference is a full-day conference designed to help you grow your business. You’ll be inspired by the incredible business pitches in the PropelHER Pitch Competition, motivated by our fantastic keynote address, and educated with informational sessions focusing on leadership, business growth, access to capital, and more.
Join us April 4, 2024 at Full Sail Live - 141 University Park Dr, Winter Park, FL as we help you break out of the day-to-day working “in” your business and propel you to a working “on” your business mindset.
A treasured NAWBO Orlando annual event, the PropelHER Pitch Competition is an exciting opportunity for women business owners to showcase their businesses or business concepts, as they compete for up to $3,000 in cash plus valuable services to springboard their businesses, such as legal advice, marketing programs, HR and administrative support, PR visibility, and more. We invite Florida women entrepreneurs and business owners from all disciplines to participate in NAWBO Orlando’s PropelHER Pitch Competition to find out if they have a winning pitch!
Participants compete in two categories: Established (in business a minimum of 2 years with revenue between $100,000 and $500,000) and Emerging (new business or business concept). Participants will deliver their pitches and compete LIVE on April 4 at our Take Flight Business Conference at Full Sail University.
April 4, 2024
Conference agenda
WELCOME | 9:00 am
Emcee: Erin Newman - Erin Newman Group LLC and President of NAWBO Atlanta
Erin Newman is a speaker, author, and Spiritual Life and Business Coach for women entrepreneurs. She helps business owners overcome mindset blocks so that they can truly do what lights them up in their business AND make the income they desire. Through a mixture of mindset and energetic healing tools, Erin helps people to finally vanquish the mind gremlins, follow their soul purpose, and create a new pathway to abundance, success, and joy.
lIFE IS fULL OF SHIFT | 9:20 AM
Teresa Rand - Founder and CEO of Teresa Rand Consulting
"Life is Full of Shift" is an engaging and thought-provoking presentation that explores the inevitability of change in our lives, emphasizing its transformative power and the opportunities it presents for growth and adaptation. Through insightful anecdotes, inspiring examples, and practical strategies, this presentation delves into the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing transitions. From personal growth to professional development, you will gain valuable insights on navigating life's shifts with resilience, adaptability, and a positive mindset.
Teresa specializes in speaking, training, and career coaching for individuals and businesses. In 2018, she founded the Boss Lady Community and the Boss Lady Podcast that focuses on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and women’s issues.
PropelHER: Emerging Category Pitches | 10:05 AM
BREAK | 10:45 AM
Panel discussion: Getting the Word Out | 11:05 Am
Moderator: Lindse Murphy - Manager of Altamonte Global Innovation Lab. Co-Chair Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship.
Panelists: Tee-Ta Walker - Tee-Ta Walker & Associates, Karla Ray - Anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning weekends, Afrin Khan - Herd Ventures
Let’s talk about effective strategies for marketing and communication in today's digital age. Expert panelists, including successful women entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and communication specialists, will share their insights and expertise on building brand awareness, reaching target audiences, and maximizing visibility in competitive markets. Topics of discussion may include leveraging social media platforms, developing compelling storytelling techniques, mastering digital marketing tools, and navigating public relations strategies. Gain practical tips, actionable advice, and valuable industry insights to elevate marketing and communication efforts and propel businesses to new heights.
LUNCH | 11:50 AM
Keynote - Breaking Barriers: Embracing Resilience to Success | 12:25 PM
Angie Ruff - Institute of Branding
Angie has crafted a life guided by deep Christian faith and a profound sense of community. As a domestic abuse survivor and a mother of four, two with special needs, she navigates challenges with unwavering love and dedication. Running, for Angie, is not just a physical activity but a means to push limits, with eight full marathons and over 50 half-marathons under her belt.
Entrepreneurial at heart, Angie has established three successful businesses, three national brands, and hosts an inspiring podcast sharing stories of triumph and resilience. Angie is the President of the Lake Mary Toastmasters Club for 2023-2024, using public speaking as a tool to connect, inspire, and empower. Her active participation in various networks goes beyond business, fostering meaningful connections for personal and community growth.
Angie's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of giving back, inspiring audiences to embrace challenges and empower themselves and others.
Panel Discussion: NAvigating the Financial Landscape for Growth | 1:05 pm
This is a dynamic panel discussion on crucial funding avenues for entrepreneurs. Delve into effective strategies for securing capital, unravel common myths, and explore the impact of credit scores and financial history on funding opportunities. Success stories and practical advice from these industry professionals offer a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape, ensuring actionable insights for business growth and capital acquisition.
Moderator: Shawntia Lee - College Thriver
Panelists: Cherrise Wilks - Affinity Consulting Group, Arnisha T Johnson - Manifesting On More, LLC, and Shantel Williams - The Firm ALP, Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis - 3D Strategic Management, Inc.
PropelHER: Established Category Pitches | 1:50 PM
BREAK | 2:45 PM
aI Unleashed: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age| 3:05 PM
Dr. Haifa Maamar - Executive Director at Full Sail University
Delve into the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in today's business landscape, particularly focusing on its impact on women entrepreneurs and leaders. Explore how AI technology can revolutionize various aspects of business operations, from streamlining processes and enhancing productivity to unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth, and see the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI development. Insightful case studies and practical examples will provide valuable insights into harnessing the potential of AI to drive success.
Dr. Maamar is an innovative leader in emerging technologies with over 15 years of accomplishments spanning education, research, and previous industry roles. She oversees all technology, gaming, and cybersecurity programs encompassing bachelors, masters and concentrations in areas ranging from Computer Science to Game Design and User Experience at Full Sail University.
PropelHER: Winners Announced | 3:50PM
propelHER Pitch Winners’ Circle | 4:30PM
Step into the spotlight of triumph as we present the "Winners Circle," a celebratory showcase honoring the past victors of the PropelHER Pitch Competition. This segment is a tribute to the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial prowess of the women who have previously graced the stage, each sharing their groundbreaking ideas and securing their win.
It's a moment to acknowledge their hard work, to be inspired by their journey, and to applaud the tangible progress they've made since their victories. Join us in cheering on these trailblazers as they return to the stage, exemplifying the power of women in business and the vibrant future they are creating.
CONFERENCE ADJOURNS | 5:00PM
Early Bird Registration (THRU Mar 22, 2024)
Members - $75 | Non-Members - $95
Tables (8 Seats) - $750
Vendor Display Table - Members: $300 | Non-Members: $500
REGISTRATION (MAR 23 OR LATER)
Members - $95 | Non-Members - $115
