🎉Exciting invite for women veteran entrepreneurs - join us for an exclusive international trade opportunity! 🌍

VWEC is excited to invite you to the launch of our International Trade Cohort during an webinar scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th from 1:00-2:30PM CST. Register

Background:

The VWEC International Trade Cohort aims to empower women veteran entrepreneurs to seize global opportunities and expand their businesses internationally. Through a comprehensive program encompassing monthly training, one-on-one mentoring, and access to personalized international trade guidance, VWEC will ensure selected participants have access to the necessary providers and support to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Statistics:

In a 2022 report by the International Trade Council titled "Women in International Trade," it was highlighted that women are increasingly asserting themselves in the realm of international trade, challenging stereotypes, and contributing significantly to global economies. Entrepreneurship offers a vital avenue for women in trade, with women-owned businesses playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and job creation.

Research indicates that companies engaged in international trade tend to employ more women, pay them higher wages, and offer better benefits and job security. Furthermore, trade has the potential to decrease inequality and expand women's access to skills and education, thereby fostering sustainable and inclusive trade practices.

A study commissioned by the Office of International Trade (OIT) found that minority and women-owned firms over-index in selling abroad, emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs in international trade endeavors. With over 95 percent of the world's consumers residing outside the United States, international sales present a significant growth opportunity for small businesses.

Event Details:

What to Expect: 

●      Learn how to pitch for grants of up to $10,000 

●      Explore international opportunities for your business 

Special Guest:

Aikta Marcoulier

Region VIII Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Aikta Marcoulier is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Region VIII Administrator, based in Denver. As regional administrator she oversees delivery of the agency's small business programs and services in South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Montana.

Prior to coming to the SBA, she was the director of the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center in Colorado Springs. Before joining the SBDC Aikta was the director of partnership marketing with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). Marcoulier was also the program creator and manager of the Colorado SBDC’s Cyber: CYA program (or Cyber: Cover Your Assets program) providing education, training, and one-on-one consulting to small businesses throughout Colorado.

Marcoulier is involved in the El Pomar Emerging Leaders Program and is an active board member of the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board. She is a member of Pikes Peak State College Business Advisory Board and is president of the Colorado Business Development Foundation. Aikta also serves on numerous committees for the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

Aikta Marcoulier received her MBA in global management from the University of Phoenix, and =undergraduate degrees in both economics and psychology from the University of Iowa. She was awarded the University of Iowa Leadership Award in 2011 and was named one of the Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Rising Stars for 2013, and a Women of Influence. Additionally, she earned the Colorado SBDC State Star Award in 2013 and led the Colorado Springs SBDC to be awarded the UCCS Deans Award, El Paso County Recognition Award, SBA Region VIII Award for Innovation and Excellence (2014 and 2020), and the Pikes Peak Arts Council Arts Advocacy Award.

As Regional Administrator, Marcoulier oversees SBA’s operations throughout its district offices located in Denver, CO.; Helena, MT.; Fargo, ND; Sioux Falls, SD; Salt Lake City, UT; and Casper, WY. Region VIII is SBA`s most rural region in the country. It includes 27 tribal nations and covers more than 580,000 square miles of territory.

Guest Speakers:

Jessica Cheeks-Thompson

Director

U.S. Commercial Service,

Dallas-Fort Worth

International Trade Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

In 2013, Jessica Cheeks-Thompson began her public service career in Kansas City, MO as a Mission Support Specialist with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In 2015, she joined the U.S. Department of Labor, serving as an Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for nearly 7 years. As an Economist with BLS, Jessica managed numerous clients across countless industries to produce the data for principal economic indicators, including the Import/Export Price Index. In this role, she gained specific knowledge on international trade and analysis, and cultivated unique skills for managing relationships and opportunities.

In 2021, Jessica joined the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration as an International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service’s Dallas-Fort Worth Office. As a Trade Specialist, Jessica covered the Energy, Automotive and Chemicals sectors, assisting exporters in north Texas to expand internationally. She led export promotion programs for the U.S. Commercial Service, including the Offshore Technology Conference and Gastech, and served as a core member of the Trade Winds ASEAN 2023 team. Jessica was selected to serve as Office Director for the U.S. Commercial Service’s Dallas-Fort Worth office in November 2023. As Director, she leads a team of International Trade Specialists serving the north Texas international trade community. She also serves as Executive Secretary for the North Texas District Export Council.

Jessica attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Master of Science degree in Economic Development. She’s currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy, with an emphasis in Economic Policy.

Patty Brewer

Export Finance Manager

CO, MT, UT & WY

Office of International Trade

U.S. Small Business Administration

Patty is an Export Finance Manager with the SBA’s Office of International Trade – one of 21 colleagues around the nation who help small businesses finance their exports and connect with experts on international trade.

     Before joining SBA, Patty was an underwriter at EXIM Bank where she worked in multiple lending divisions including Business Credit, Trade Finance, and Trade Credit Insurance. In her three years with the Trade Credit Insurance Division, she processed more than $186 million in short-term insurance transactions. During her ten years in Trade Finance, she completed 152 transactions supporting agricultural equipment, trailers, printers, heating systems, silos, and tractors. 

     As an SBA Export Finance Manager supporting the four-state territory of Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, Patty has helped small businesses fund their expansion into the global market.  From agricultural products to consumer goods, to large industrial equipment and services, her diverse client portfolio reflects the small business communities within the Rocky Mountain region. 

     Patty received a BBA in International Business from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Denver.  She is also a senior fellow with the Partnership for Public Service Excellence in Government. 

Why Attend: 

●      Access valuable insights from industry experts 

●      Network with progressive women entrepreneurs 

●      Explore resources to expand your business globally 

Limited Spots Available!  Secure your spot at this exclusive event. 

For inquiries, contact: info@veteranwomensec.org

Don't miss this opportunity to explore new markets and grow your business.