In an earlier message, I asked “what is holding you back?” Now I wonder, “how are you feeling about your progress?” Moving through change is a challenge, but as I have been reminded, especially this year, bringing in support, being open, and listening offers great opportunity. As we bring 2018 to a close, I look back on this year as an incredible journey with an amazing team of Board members, staff, and partners, all of whom are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs.

This year, in addition to offering our Let’s Build Your Business Plan Series and Performance Learning Series, we launched a new program called Digitally Solid, which focuses on building digital marketing strategy and tactics in a world of rapidly changing technology. We also continued to expand existing programming such as our NextStep to Success program for Indigenous women and our PeerSpark program for women with emerging growth ventures.

Late in November members of our team traveled to AWE’s PeerSpark retreat, which brought together both the new PeerSpark cohort as well as PeerSpark Alumni. The retreat was a chance to reflect and refresh. The conversations and connections made over the weekend showed that great things can be achieved when you bring together entrepreneurs who are eager to learn and share their knowledge.

As I wrote about earlier this year, having a mindset of abundance and understanding that opportunities are not finite is important. At AWE, our experiences throughout the year have shown that by sharing opportunities we create more pathways to success and create better connections. As we move into 2019, we are looking forward to continuing to help women entrepreneurs seize opportunities and move toward achieving their aspirations.

On behalf of our team, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Always with gratitude,

Marcela