SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Canisius College is hosting the 4th Annual Ignite Awards Luncheon, recognizing successful women-owned businesses in the Western New York area, and we are seeking your support to help us fund future programming and events to support these businesses.

Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs to succeed through education, connections and community.  We do this by developing leaders, fostering opportunities and building collaboration.

This event brings together the services that entrepreneurs need with the women business owners who need them for a mentoring and networking opportunity during lunch.  We encourage your company to send staff who will be seated at tables with other non-competing businesses and at least two small business owners.  Members of our Advisory Board or staff will also be at the tables to help facilitate conversation and connections.

Platinum and Gold sponsors are invited to honor one woman-owned business for an award to be given at the luncheon.  Your honoree will be presented with her award on stage along with a short presentation about your organization and her story that led her toward business success. After the inspiring presentation, the majority of the time will be used by your staff members to get to know and interact with the small business owners who are seated with them at the luncheon.  New this year, our Silver sponsors can submit a nomination for an honoree. Selected nominees that will become honorees will be chosen by a WBC committee and notified prior to the event. 

The WBC Ignite Awards is a not-for-profit event that funds itself through the generosity of sponsors.  We are seeking cash and in-kind sponsors to help cover primary costs for the event and our important programs for our local women entrepreneurs.  All the WBC Ignite sponsorships include prominent recognition, leading up to and during the event.

Why Should Your Company Support This Event for Women-Owned Businesses?

According to the 2018 State of Women-Owned Business Report by American Express, 4 out of every 10 businesses in the US are women-owned.  Women-owned businesses employ 9.2 million people and generated $1.8 trillion in revenue.  Did you know that 62% of women entrepreneurs depend on their business as their primary source of income? Yet at the same time, 88% of women-owned businesses generate less than $100,000 in revenue!

The WBC recognizes the critical role these businesses play in our community and to our economy and in every way possible create opportunities to drive their growth.  We invite your organization to show your support as well.  Come to the table and sponsor as you are able.

If you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the WBC at wbcinfo@canisius.edu or call (716) 888-8280.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Each sponsor level includes prominent placement on the WBC’s website, social media and all print materials distributed for the event.  Availability is limited; please contact us as soon as possible to secure your sponsorship.

**An important note about luncheon seating:  This very unique event will match up the small business attendees at each table with non-competitive business support services, along with a table facilitator to encourage an easy and productive conversation.  Bring plenty of business cards!