Fairfield Inn & Suites ELEVATES Female Entrepreneurs Across The Country

BETHESDA, Md., June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Small and women-owned businesses are two of today's most optimistic sectors of economic and professional growth. In an effort to help further the development and success of some of the most promising of these businesses, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott has launched ELEVATE fueled by Fairfield, a pilot empowerment program offering free space, connections and resources to 20 female entrepreneurs across the country.

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"Entrepreneurs are the backbone of a strong economy, yet many small businesses struggle for even the basics that allow for productivity and success," said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager for Fairfield Inn & Suites. "We want to help ELEVATE the great ideas and initiatives of women, and unlock the potential of their smart and powerful businesses."

In search of the most diverse and highly qualified applicants, Fairfield Inn & Suites has built a network of national and regional partners to identify and provide guidance to participants. The current list of partners includes the National Black MBA Association, Plaid for Women, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women Presidents' Educational Organization, Women's Business Development Center and Women's Business Enterprise National Council. These organizations will provide support via networking opportunities and business guidance throughout the duration of the program.

Beginning in August, the 20 selected candidates will participate in the three-month ELEVATE fueled by Fairfield program, with benefits including: 

• Workspace in some of the newest Fairfield Inn & Suites properties in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. 
• Resources that contribute to a positive and productive experience, such as a "Connect-and-Print" area and free Wi-Fi 
• Access to special networking events and guidance from prominent voices in the small and women-owned business communities via the partner organizations 
• Opportunity to share program experiences and make new connections on Twitter via #ELEVATEbyFairfield

In the spirit of fueling entrepreneurship and innovation, one of the 20 businesses will be awarded a $5,000 grant at the end of the initiative. The honoree will be selected based on criteria that include her use of the Fairfield Inn & Suites space and her inventive application of the resources provided by the program. 

"Fairfield Inn & Suites has had tremendous success as we've grown over the past 26 years," said Buckley. "That's why we've started ELEVATE fueled by Fairfield - by sharing our experience, functional design and resources, we're able to pay it forward to others to help make their dreams come true."

Participants will be able to reserve their meeting space via Workspace on Demand, which is a collaboration between Marriott International and LiquidSpace, a platform that allows people to instantly book workspace at a variety of participating venues, making it more accessible for these businesses to get the job done.

Applications for ELEVATE fueled by Fairfield will be accepted now through June 30, 2013. More details and official rules are available on the ELEVATE fueled by Fairfield site. 

Join the conversation on Twitter: #ELEVATEbyFairfield.

About Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is designed for today's traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With more than 700 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards^® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the Fairfield Inn & Suites toll-free number at 800-228-2800, visit www.fairfieldinn.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/fairfieldinnandsuites or follow the brand at www.twitter.com/fairfieldhotels. 

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

SOURCE Fairfield Inn & Suites