A Greater Cincinnati entrepreneurship group is launching a new program to honor outstanding women business owners in the community.
Aviatra Accelerators, a Northern Kentucky-based nonprofit, is introducing its Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
It’s the latest offering from a recently retooled Aviatra, part of the 14-year-old organization’s next phase of growth. Aviatra’s mission is to help women start and grow businesses through online and in-person programming, coaching, mentoring, networking and access to capital.
"There are so many deserving women entrepreneurs in our region, so this recognition is not only a celebration of their success but also a platform to inspire and encourage other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams," Jill Morenz, president and CEO of Aviatra Accelerators, said in a news release.
The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards span five categories:
- Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Miami University
- Woman Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Blue North
- Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, co-sponsored by Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University and University of Cincinnati
- Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by PayFWDs
- Woman Health Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Business Courier is a media partner for the program.
To be considered, nominees must be the majority owner of an operating business registered and based in Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati or Dayton, Ohio, and be an active owner with managerial, operational and financial oversight.
Nominations are open now and will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.
Nominees will be vetted by a cohort of leaders and business experts. Winners will be recognized during Aviatra’s annual Flight Night Sept. 5, an event celebrating women entrepreneurs as they graduate from Aviatra’s 10-week Momentum Accelerator.
Aviatra, founded in 2010, has helped nearly 4,000 women entrepreneurs create 15,000 jobs and receive millions in funding, and its alumni have generated more than $1 billion in earned revenues.
