A monthly lunch to support female entrepreneurs in Portland is seeking sponsors to keep the effort alive into 2023.
Amanda Mailey, a marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience and the founder of Women Supporting Women Wednesday, announced the plans last week on her Instagram @alist_pdx.
By the end of 2022, she said in her post, she will have donated more than $100,000 of her time to the monthly lunch aimed at bringing women entrepreneurs together for camaraderie, networking and community.
“Fall is a time of reflection for me, as I plan goals for the next calendar year. What a year it’s been so far. By the end of the 2022, ALIST will have amplified 1000+ businesses and hosted 10 WSW Founder Meet Ups with ripple effects still in vibration for years to come,” Mailey said.
At Mailey’s second lunch in March, she and 32 other women gave Friendship Kitchen at 2333 N.E. Glisan St. $850 of business in a single lunch hour.
Since March, Women Supporting Women Wednesday has grown exponentially. Lunches drew between 20 to 60 attendees, occasionally exceeding the 200 mark. The effort has become much more than Mailey had anticipated.
“I'm looking for strategic partners...we have the vision, business model, an all women-led team of small business owners and high interest in the community.” Mailey said. "Knowing there are organizations ear-marking dollars to better serve local small businesses, women entrepreneurs, BIPOC families and community leaders, we want these companies as our partners. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000 by securing two to three sponsors to cover our costs."
While she seeks sponsors, Mailey will also keep a fundraiser live so people can buy lunches for the attendees and support the effort in their own ways. The next lunch is Sept. 28 at The Sports Bra: Its 50 spots are already sold out.
