WASHINGTON, July 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) announces the seven finalists that will participate in the Sharapova Women's Entrepreneur Program, in partnership with five-time Grand Slam tennis champion and successful entrepreneur, Maria Sharapova. Over the course of 12 months, this program will provide these seven finalists a free virtual educational and mentoring experience to significantly grow both their leadership and business success.

"Congratulations to all the Spectacular Seven in NAWBO's inaugural partnership with Maria Sharapova through the Sharapova Women's Entrepreneur Program," said Loreen Gilbert, NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development Board Chair. "The NAWBO Institute is constantly working to provide opportunities for women business owners to gain skills to grow and develop their business, and we are excited to see how our members will capitalize on such invaluable programming and mentorship over the next 12 months."

The seven finalists represent a wide array of business industries, geographical locations, and states of business development. The winners include:

• Reema Dutt, LuminouStudios, NAWBO Los Angeles Chapter,
• Camille Eddera, Birthstone Scents, NAWBO Los Angeles Chapter,
• Deanna Montrose, Paraffin International, Inc, NAWBO Phoenix Chapter,
• Kelly Parthen, Bean Sprouts, NAWBO Orange County Chapter,
• Lindsay Wilson, Ink Factory, NAWBO Chicago Chapter,
• Denise Doczy Delong, Singleton Construction, NAWBO Columbus Chapter, and
• Kimmi Wernli, Crazy Richards Peanut Butter Company, NAWBO Columbus Chapter.

"Providing tools and resources in order to help women business owners scale their business will be my focus for the NAWBO Institute," said Gilbert. "Specifically, moving the needle for women serving on corporate boards and international microlending programs are a focus for the NAWBO Institute."

Maria Sharapova, commented, "As I carefully went through the piles and piles of applications for the Women's Entrepreneur Program, I was blown away by the talent and experiences of these emerging business leaders. I am excited to get to know the seven businesswomen selected, and can't wait to watch them flourish and grow as they begin the 12-month mentorship program with me, my team and the team at the NAWBO Institute."

"Like most entrepreneurs, I made a few mistakes starting and growing my business. that could have been avoided if I had found the right someone to guide me," said Gilbert.  "I want to lead and harness this collective brilliance of women entrepreneurs through the Institute to help women at every aspect of their business – scaling their business, providing business education, increasing their presence on corporate and non-profit boards and giving back.  I believe all of us are smarter than any one of us."

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Sharapova Women's Entrepreneur Program consists of 7 Women Business Owners that have been selected from a nationwide call for applicants by Maria Sharapova, in partnership with NAWBO and the NAWBO Institute. The program will run for 12 months and is a cohort-based virtual/in-person hybrid program that will include mentorship, peer-to-peer support, mastermind and educational components to be delivered monthly by NAWBO and the Sharapova Business Resource Team led by Traub Consumer.

Through the Sharapova Women's Entrepreneur Program and NAWBO partnership, the female businesswomen selected will receive support and resources from Sharapova's longtime marketing and business development teams as well as the NAWBO Institute. Each of the women selected will receive support from a range of both NAWBO and Sharapova's personal business resources in growing their business and in reaching their business goals.

About the NAWBO Institute
The NAWBO Institute's mission is to provide opportunities for capacity building and organizational development for emerging and established women entrepreneurs. Through the Institute, NAWBO aims to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of women business owners and promote economic development within the entrepreneurial community so that we can build a legacy of success for the next generation of women entrepreneurs. For more information, visit https://www.nawbo.org/nawbo-institute.

ABOUT SUGARPOVA
Sugarpova continues to have double-digit growth year after year since its launch. Currently, the brand has retail penetration in 22 countries all over the world and is sold in a variety of retail partners and online. The founder is an international tennis champion, Maria Sharapova, whose sweet tooth and love for little indulgences motivated her to create a candy company specializing in premium chocolates collection and products, giftables and in gummies and chocolate sweets of quality and craftsmanship. For more information, visit http://www.sugarpova.com

SOURCE National Association of Women Business Owners

Related Links

http://www.nawbo.org