We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated NGLCC Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi) Virtual B2B & B2C Matchmakers event, generously presented by Wells Fargo. This event promises to be a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and business growth opportunities within the LGBTQ+ business community. Mark your calendars for Monday, October 2nd, as we bring together a diverse range of entrepreneurs and professionals for this exceptional matchmaking experience. Join us at two convenient time slots: from 11 am to 1 pm ET and again from 3 pm to 5 pm ET, ensuring that you can choose the session that suits your schedule best. This unique event is designed to facilitate meaningful connections, offering both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) matchmaking opportunities. Whether you're a business owner looking to form valuable partnerships or a consumer seeking LGBTQ+ friendly services, there's something here for everyone. For additional details and registration information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at matchmakers@nglcc.org. Secure your spot today and unlock a world of possibilities at the NGLCC Communities of Color Initiative Virtual B2B & B2C Matchmakers event. We look forward to connecting with you and fostering a stronger, more inclusive business community together.

If you are interested in building a business that matters with the Founder Institute's structured process, expert feedback, and global network, then join an upcoming 'Online Information Session + Q&A' Webinar.

These events are run 5 times per week and are attended by FI staff who are ready to answer your questions in the chat.

Who Should Attend an Infosession?

Anyone who has an idea for a startup or an early-stage company

Anyone with a pre-seed startup (pre-funding)

Anyone interested in learning about the Founder Institute program

PIQUE - Ten at the Top's signature event for young professionals in Upstate SC

There are 5 in-person sessions, which will be held from 2:00-5:00pm with interactive small group discussions.

Whether you are new to Greenville or have lived here all your life, Opportunity Greenville will lead you to a greater professional impact in your community by getting you to engage meaningfully.

Opportunity Greenville is an in-person, 5-week program held each Fall to guide participants through the inner workings of the Greenville Community. Participants learn about our economy, government, culture and history from local leaders and decision makers. This is also a great way to learn ways to get involved in the community.

Learn more about the rich history of our community and discover the organizations, institutions, and resources that have shaped Greenville into the vibrant community we enjoy today! Get introduced and connected to the area’s key leaders while learning about business, government, education, quality of life, our regional partners and the arts and culture of our community. Most of all, get ready to be inspired and to become more civically engaged. Won’t you join us?

What is Grok? It’s a multidisciplinary conference for pioneers across industries. It takes a menagerie of skills and differences to change the status quo. Our attendees and speakers lead teams, create businesses, cultivate expertise, and gather people to make something new.

Informed, motivated, and seeking fire? You’re our kind of person. Managers, developers, creators, strategic copywriters (gtfo ChatGPT), designers, and folks who create their own products; you’ll find all of them here.

We’ve selected 5 world class speakers for 2023. Our speakers will focus their sessions around creating new businesses, design and development, understanding human behavior, project management, and other related topics.

Facilitators will lead themed breakout sessions where you’re encouraged to bring your own ideas. Make a friend, share a challenge, start a conversation. The rest is up to you.

The Chamber Business Advocacy listening tours are your first opportunity to shape our 2024 policy agenda. Weigh in on the issues important to your business.

We provide three options for maximum flexibility to our investors. The link to your session will be emailed to you.

Sessions are open to all investors and not just members of the Advocacy Committees.

The S.C. Manufacturers Alliance is pleased to host the 2023 South Carolina Manufacturing Summit B2B Supplier Matchmaker in partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce. Open to all S.C. suppliers, the B2B Supplier Matchmaker is

the perfect opportunity to connect with representatives from statewide manufacturing facilities.

Hosted in a speed-dating format, each appointment is 15 minutes!

Join us to meet your supplier match!

SAM registration is the first step towards Federal Contracting with the Government. Join SBA to learn how to register for, navigate and use the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov. Required to be eligible for Federal Contracts.

Everything to do with Federal Contracting revolves around North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and their associated size standards. We will show you how to conduct searches to find appropriate NAICS codes for your business and how to determine if your business is considered "small" for federal contracting purposes.

The Upstate RING comprises a ten-county area, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, along the I-85 corridor in South Carolina. Manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and technology are all prominent business industries in the upstate and are changing dynamics of jobs and influencing the way entrepreneurs are starting, growing, and acquiring businesses. With several automotive and aerospace related companies headquartered in the upstate supported by a strong system of higher education, it is considered one of the strongest manufacturing sectors in the United States, making it a popular hub for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds.

Join us for a meaningful and inspiring celebration of Hispanic & Latinx heritage within the business community. We're excited to bring together NGLCC Affiliate Chamber Leaders, certified LGBTQ+ business owners, and our valued Corporate Partners to shed light on the significance of acknowledging Hispanic & Latinx identities in our entrepreneurial landscape. Discover how empowerment leads to prosperity and progress as we engage in enriching conversations, gain fresh insights, and celebrate the vibrant diversity of our community. Stay tuned for the registration link – coming soon!

Two full days of entrepreneurial programming.

• Expert-led breakout sessions
• Startup expo with 75 exhibiting companies
• Investment firms from across the Southeast

Capabilities statements can take a variety of forms, but there are key pieces of information that anyone who is interested in doing business with you will want to know. Learn the 5 Core Elements of a Strong Capabilities Statement.

1. Core Competencies

2. Differentiators

3. Past Performance

4. Corporate Data

5. Contact Information

Join us for an empowering webinar dedicated to supporting and guiding women entrepreneurs on their journey to securing funding for their businesses.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, this webinar will help you understand the different funding options available to women entrepreneurs, how to pitch your business vision effectively and how to overcome gender biases and create a supportive network.

In this webinar, you'll learn:

Understanding the different funding pathways

Building a Compelling Funding Pitch

Overcoming Gender-Specific Challenges

Relaxed meetings at Community Tap where Chamber investors can learn more about the issues and get to know local and state political leaders.

Join us to celebrate, honor, and dance with the leading LGBTQ+ owned businesses, professionals, and strongest community allies at the 2nd Annual Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala! You'll hear from Chamber President Nathan Brown about our major successes in 2023.

The Fabulous Master of Ceremonies, our very own President-Elect, Caroline Caldwell, will be presenting our award categories of: LGBTQ+ Business of the Year Allied Business of the Year, Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year, LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year, LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year, Corporate Partner of the Year, Chamber Advocacy Award, and the People's Choice Award.

The Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem welcomes Travis Sheridan, the Chief Community Officer of Wexford Science and Technology. Join us for lunch as Travis outlines the tools and tactics you can use immediately to build a meaningful community. These tools have been refined over nearly 30 years of testing in the field -- with much success and a few failures.

Want to stand out from the crowd? Want your reach and influence to grow organically? What to turn admirers into advocates? It starts with building an authentic community around your brand, your company, your service, or your organization. There are ways to create moments of serendipity, but it can't be left to chance -- it must be engineered.

In this session we will spend time Topics include: - Some will. Some won't. So what? Move on. - I want to meet you. I want to know you. I want to help you. - Attract. Develop. Promote. - So an attorney and an acrobat walked into a bar... - It's not about you! (Sorry, Dr Phil) - Kindtagious: The ideal pandemic

Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem Qaurterly Meeting – Building Community as a Marketing Strategy: Roadmap for Authentic Engagement

There are 5 in-person sessions, which will be held from 2:00-5:00pm with interactive small group discussions.

Whether you are new to Greenville or have lived here all your life, Opportunity Greenville will lead you to a greater professional impact in your community by getting you to engage meaningfully.

Opportunity Greenville is an in-person, 5-week program held each Fall to guide participants through the inner workings of the Greenville Community. Participants learn about our economy, government, culture and history from local leaders and decision makers. This is also a great way to learn ways to get involved in the community.

Learn more about the rich history of our community and discover the organizations, institutions, and resources that have shaped Greenville into the vibrant community we enjoy today! Get introduced and connected to the area’s key leaders while learning about business, government, education, quality of life, our regional partners and the arts and culture of our community. Most of all, get ready to be inspired and to become more civically engaged. Won’t you join us?

Join SBA South Carolina District Office as we navigate:

• Understanding Federal Solicitations
• Solicitation Types and Strategies
• How to Read and Respond to a Solicitation
• Evaluating Opportunities
• Teaming Arrangements: Selecting Winning Partners

This workshop is for anyone looking to start a non-profit and is committed to providing a community service. The presenter will show you step by step, how he set up a non-profit in 6 months, without a lawyer, how to create a legal non-profit structure, mapping out your program service, and making the case for funding.

Crowdfunding is not only a good way to raise capital, but it’s also a great way to build a community and customer base for your product or services. However, running a successful crowdfunding campaign is not easy.

In this webinar, our presenter will walk you through best practices to ensure your crowdfunding campaign reaches its funding goals and connects with your target audience on a meaningful level.

You’ll learn:

• Setting clear funding goals and timelines
• Identifying and connecting with your ideal backers
• Crafting a compelling pitch and marketing strategy

Come see what the buzz is all about at Spaces in Camperdown Plaza! Free co-working day Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday.

Join us for a training on how to get certified for the SBA's Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZONE) and qualify for federal contracting opportunities. The session will also include an overview of the program and application steps.

In today's digital age, building a strong personal brand is crucial for success as a startup founder. During this webinar, our expert speakers will share invaluable insights and strategies for leveraging LinkedIn to grow your personal brand. LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, offers endless opportunities to connect, influence, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. From optimizing your profile and creating compelling content to building a network this webinar, you'll learn how to easily create content, build a community and a narrative on LinkedIn that opens doors you didn't think were possible.

Hiring an SEO company can be an excellent investment to improve your online presence, but it can also be risky.

Unfortunately, some SEO experts take advantage of clients by doing quick work that wrecks a website’s optimization in the long run. So how can you determine the right SEO partner to hire?

In this webinar, our expert presenter will break down what an SEO company does, what you should expect and the interview questions you can ask to feel confident when hiring an SEO expert.

You’ll learn:

• What an SEO company should be providing
• What services are not worth investing in
• Interview questions you should be asking and the answers you should expect.

Join Ten at the Top at 3 pm on the second Thursday of each month for a virtual TATT CHAT. Each session will include a special quest speaker as well as Upstate resource updates.

Join Ten at the Top and the Urban League of the Upstate for an informal networking event to be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Friday, October 13 at the Park 37 Community Room as we discuss the ingredients for being a "Great Place to Work"!

Panelists include:

• *Yolanda Lewis - Human Resources Director, SCRA
• *Gina Freeman - Project Communications Specialist, ReWa
• *Tom Tyra - VP Cheif Marketing & Communications Officer, GSP Int'l Airport
• *Kaye Davis - Sustainability Services Officer, ReWa
• *Mike Garren - Director of Business Development, Trehel Corporation

Building a strong brand presence is essential for success, but it can be challenging, especially when resources are limited. During this live and interactive webinar, we will provide you with essential strategies and practical tips to help you establish a compelling brand without breaking the bank. Our expert, Ana Pessanha, will share her insights on maximizing your brand impact while working within budget constraints. Join us to upscale your branding skills and network with startup founders who have similar interests to yours.

There are 5 in-person sessions, which will be held from 2:00-5:00pm with interactive small group discussions.

Whether you are new to Greenville or have lived here all your life, Opportunity Greenville will lead you to a greater professional impact in your community by getting you to engage meaningfully.

Opportunity Greenville is an in-person, 5-week program held each Fall to guide participants through the inner workings of the Greenville Community. Participants learn about our economy, government, culture and history from local leaders and decision makers. This is also a great way to learn ways to get involved in the community.

Learn more about the rich history of our community and discover the organizations, institutions, and resources that have shaped Greenville into the vibrant community we enjoy today! Get introduced and connected to the area’s key leaders while learning about business, government, education, quality of life, our regional partners and the arts and culture of our community. Most of all, get ready to be inspired and to become more civically engaged. Won’t you join us?

Venture Trailblazers is an exclusive event series that connects leading investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends in startups and venture capital. For this edition, we welcome Scott Belsky (Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Adobe; Co-Founder of Behance). The goal of Venture Trailblazers is to educate and connect the founders, leaders, mentors, and investors across the global Founder Institute, VC Lab, and FI Venture Networks.

Join us for a training session on the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification Program in 2023. The SBA program name for verifying veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) is the Veteran Small Business Certification Program, and will be the Agency’s vehicle for handling certification from veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. We'll discuss the changes, eligibility criteria and differences between the VA and SBA Programs.

Join us for The Platform Business Huddle every third Tuesday of the month. Folks from the South Carolina Research Authority will talk about SCRA’s support programs for entrepreneurship and innovation. You’ll also have the chance to network with some of the Upstate’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and leaders in the business community. Please register for this free event. Want to know what to expect? Watch our video about the Huddle.

This webinar is designed to help small business owners understand their Federal and South Carolina State tax responsibilities.

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional networking platform and marketing on LinkedIn can generate more leads than some of the top social media platforms, especially for for B2B marketers.

If you want to grab the attention of top-level executives, then you should work on your LinkedIn marketing strategy. In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain how you can use LinkedIn as an effective marketing tool to grow your business.

What you'll learn:

• Why LinkedIn can be an effective marketing tool
• What you should have on your LinkedIn profile
• How and why to create your company page
• Finding LinkedIn groups and making connections
• LinkedIn posts, engagement and the unique LinkedIn algorithm

Network with other founders and learn the best practices for forming Co-Founder relationships

Building a great Co-Founder team is one of the most difficult yet important steps in founding a startup. While many founders may start alone, there are multiple benefits of having a Co-Founder, and taking the time to establish a quality team can mean the difference between failure and success. Join us for this fun and interactive event where you will learn best practices for building and formalizing a Co-Founder relationship. In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking for a Co-Founder at virtual tables and speed networking sessions.What Will You Accomplish

• You will learn the best practices for finding the right Co-Founder
• You will meet startup enthusiasts and experts from around the world
• You will shortlist potential Co-Founders

There are 5 in-person sessions, which will be held from 2:00-5:00pm with interactive small group discussions.

Whether you are new to Greenville or have lived here all your life, Opportunity Greenville will lead you to a greater professional impact in your community by getting you to engage meaningfully.

Opportunity Greenville is an in-person, 5-week program held each Fall to guide participants through the inner workings of the Greenville Community. Participants learn about our economy, government, culture and history from local leaders and decision makers. This is also a great way to learn ways to get involved in the community.

Learn more about the rich history of our community and discover the organizations, institutions, and resources that have shaped Greenville into the vibrant community we enjoy today! Get introduced and connected to the area’s key leaders while learning about business, government, education, quality of life, our regional partners and the arts and culture of our community. Most of all, get ready to be inspired and to become more civically engaged. Won’t you join us?

Join us for a training on how to get registered for SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program which helps eligible women-owned small businesses to qualify for federal contracting opportunities. The session will also include an overview of the self-certification process, how to register in certify and the NAICS codes that qualify as a WOSB and EDWOSB.

The Franchise Industry, is at times, a "misunderstood" approach to Business Ownership.

LEARN:

Myths vs Reality of Franchise Ownership

Pros & Cons of owing a Franchise

How to "FAIL" at Franchise Ownership

$$ to Start a Franchise

With the final quarter of the year still ahead, learn what year-end tax planning you can do to favorably impact your bottom line and your tax bill for 2023 and how to better position yourself moving into 2024.

Whether you work with a CPA or go it alone, learn which tax breaks apply to you and how to nail them down now before time runs out.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• What’s new for your 2023 return
• Year-end actions to reduce your 2023 tax bill
• Best business practices to avoid problems with the IRS
• Necessary actions to get ready for 2024

Join us for IGNITE Greer the fourth Wednesday of every month. Two local entrepreneurs speak about a challenge they face and the community gives them feedback and support. The goal is to break down barriers and form meaningful connections.

The coffee and the advice are always free!

You’re invited to the 21st annual Manufacturers Celebration! This year we’re celebrating at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park.

The Manufacturers Celebration is an evening of fun including good food, networking and connecting with the manufacturing community.

Please join us as we say thank you to our manufacturers who continue to invest and grow their operations in Greenville!

Are you inclined to leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential for driving revenue? Join us for an in-depth exploration of how to harness the true power of the largest business network in the world to generate substantial sales for your startup. In this live and interactive webinar, our guest speaker, Mira Wattar, will reveal tested practical tactics to help you maximize your LinkedIn strategy. Learn how to connect and engage with your community more effectively in this hands-on, 30-minute webinar followed by a Q&A and networking.

Are you interested in starting a food business? Join us for this 1-hour session to discuss the following concepts:

• Overview of basics of starting a food business
• Food Industry Resources
• Feasibility
• Food Safety
• Developing Your Concept

All registered participants will receive a Microsoft Team Meetings link 24 hours prior to the event.

Register today for the Diversity & Economic Inclusion Summit! The Diversity & Economic Inclusion Summit is an annual conference that educates and empowers attendees while discussing the latest trends within the diversity, equity and inclusion space.

Join us for this 1-hour webinar on how to market your food business. Marketing is essential to the growth of your business which will increase your cash flow.

• Value Proposition - Building off the primary concept
• Positioning
• 4 P's of Marketing
• Digital and Social Media
• Purveyors
• Menu Development

All registered participants will receive a Microsoft Teams Meeting link 24 hours prior to the event.

Please join us for our 1st Meet the Buyer Event in partnership with Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council and Greenville Tech.

This event will allow suppliers to engage with 50 local companies and corporations, understand buying requirements, and how to get into the buying system. It is a great way to introduce your company, your products/services and gain exposure! Contracts are not guaranteed. Pre-registration is required.

CVMSDC will host a Networking Game Night on October 31st at the Crown Plaza from 6 -10 pm. This would be an excellent opportunity to network with other diverse businesses.

The Upstate RING comprises a ten-county area, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, along the I-85 corridor in South Carolina. Manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and technology are all prominent business industries in the upstate and are changing dynamics of jobs and influencing the way entrepreneurs are starting, growing, and acquiring businesses. With several automotive and aerospace related companies headquartered in the upstate supported by a strong system of higher education, it is considered one of the strongest manufacturing sectors in the United States, making it a popular hub for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds.

Get actionable, instant feedback on your startup

To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. First, you'll learn the best practices for creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Then, you will have the opportunity to share your pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch. What You'll Learn:

• How to give a concise yet compelling elevator pitch
• What investors are looking for in a startup pitch
• Specific advice and feedback on your pitch and startup ideas

Join us for this 1-hour webinar on how to fund and manage your finances for your food business.

• How to finance a food business
• Keeping Records
• Important Metrics - Costs
• Tools for success - POS
• Top 10 trends for 2023

All registered participants will receive a Microsoft Teams Meeting link 24 hours prior to the event.

THE event for South Carolina Founders by South Carolina Founders. Every business owner needs the support of a community. Let’s build one in SC. Meet people on the same journey as you, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial ventures. 100% of ticket sales go to local charities.

Your pitch deck can make or break your ability to captivate your audience. We're inviting you to a tailored workshop where our guest expert Dorothy Fulop will introduce the essential components of a persuasive pitch and demonstrate how to craft a compelling narrative. Discover the key elements that grab attention, engage investors or stakeholders, and leave a lasting impact. This event will focus on powerful but often overlooked tools to supercharge pitch decks. The main goal is to introduce branding and presentation principles, helping founders master the art of creating impactful pitch decks for greater success.

The target audience for “Concepts for Project Management” are general contractors, small construction contractors and individuals considering establishing small construction business to perform home remodeling and/or small projects. In addition, it provides a basic understanding of project management terms used in contracts for the government project management environment. Disclaimer: This workshop is not targeted for those individual preparing to PMP certification

Come see what the buzz is all about at Spaces in Camperdown Plaza! Free co-working day Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday.

Presented by EACC Carolinas, in partnership with Employers Network, Greenville Chamber, Greenville Technical College and Ogletree Deakins

With 2,000+ attendees each year, the SC Manufacturing Conference and Expo is one of the largest manufacturing events in the Southeast.

The Conference’s anchor event will be the 25th annual Salute to Manufacturing Awards Luncheon, where up to 30 of the state’s manufacturers will be honored with a variety of excellence awards. Other events on the agenda will explore topics such as: Industry 4.0 technologies, aerospace, logistics, supply chain, workforce, and economic forecasts for the auto and aero industries.

SCMEP will present a wide range of training and informational sessions on host topics that are ‘hot’ for South Carolina’s manufacturers. Sessions will focus on Workforce (Leadership, Recruitment & Retention, Apprenticeships, High Performing Teams, State Workforce Incentives), MFG 4.0 (Artificial intelligence, Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality, Automation, and MFG4.0 in Logistics), Supply Chain, Risk Management, Project Management and Energy Management.

Bootcamp is a two-day immersive program that will take your business to the next level. It’s not your run-of-the-mill business seminar. It’s a selective, fast-paced intensive participants have consistently described as one of the best things they’ve done for themselves and their business. Watch our video to learn more about Bootcamp. Apply for the next cohort.

Join us for an exclusive networking experience. You are invited to a short Chamber information session followed by a networking reception with fellow Chamber Investors and staff.

Please bring one guest, and enjoy these opportunities:

*Form new connections

*Jumpstart your Chamber involvement & learn how to maximize your investment

*Enjoy great hors d'oeuvres and drinks

Join us as our Bootcamp participants pitch their businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges. This event is open to the entire community and is the culmination of our two-day immersive program. Please register for this free event. Watch our video to learn more about Bootcamp.

Meet fellow investors and learn how to maximize face-to-face opportunities at this structured networking event.

Join Chuck Emery, Financial Consultant, to learn how to run reports in QuickBooks.

Join the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and The Lady's Room for the 2nd Annual "Trans Family Lunch" at the Unity Park Welcome Center in Greenville, SC. This event offers a unique opportunity for Black Transwomen to connect with influential business leaders, legislators, executives, and decision-makers over a delicious lunch catered by Anetia's Catering. We believe change happens when communities meet, share their stories, voices, and experiences, and make meaningful connections with those in a position to effect change.

Attendees will get to hear from a select panel of upstate transwomen of color about their experiences living and working in the upstate and how those experiences are similar in many ways to other local women.

The Upstate RING comprises a ten-county area, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, along the I-85 corridor in South Carolina. Manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and technology are all prominent business industries in the upstate and are changing dynamics of jobs and influencing the way entrepreneurs are starting, growing, and acquiring businesses. With several automotive and aerospace related...

Flywheel Café is a gathering of founders, investors and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to celebrate our growing community. Come enjoy a beer while listening to local successful entrepreneurs discuss their journeys, share advice, and answer questions from the crowd!

Schedule:

5:00-5:20 Food, drink and networking

5:20-6:00 Entrepreneurship discussion followed by audience Q&A

6:00-on Food, drink and networking

Where:

Fireforge Crafted Beer (311 E Washington St, Greenville)

Hear from seasoned women leaders and professionals. Join us for a day of learning, empowerment and networking!