Three Valley women were recently selected as recipients of the 13th annual Women in Networking (WIN) Entrepreneurial Grant program. The grant recipients are: Dr. Julia Bonks, ConnectiKidz Dental Care, Derby; Attorney Karen A. Fisher, Law office of Karen A. Fisher, Seymour; and Dawn Lowery, One Smart Dog,
Shelton.
The WIN grant is a named fund with the Valley Community Foundation. WIN is a council affiliated with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce (GVCC).
The grant recipients will utilize the grant in different ways: ConnectiKidz Dental Care will utilize the funds for a Community Outreach Programs such a Give a Kid a Smile Day; Law Office of Karen A. Fisher will be upgrading practice management software and technology; and One Smart Dog will be using the funds for continuing education towards certifications.
All three winners will be presented with grants during the WIN Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Tea with Tracy in Seymour. The grants are distributed from funds received from WIN membership dues and fundraisers organized by the group.
“We are delighted to continue the legacy of awarding annual grants to well-qualified entrepreneurial women and are pleased to offer $3,000 in grants and scholarships to encourage economic development in the Valley,” said Mary Jo Romano, Co-Chair of WIN and Principal with Mary Jo Romano – Financial Planner.
Sharon Massafra, franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care and independent consultant with Arbonne International, chaired the grant selections committee.
This grant-in-aid program provides financial assistance to women 18 years or age or older in the Greater Valley area in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. The WIN grant can be used for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a new business. Recipients are also invited to a complimentary one-year membership to the WIN Group.
Since its inception, WIN has given just over $40,000 to 47 grant recipients.
WIN is the first group of its kind to service the six-town region of the Greater Valley. Founded in 2002, the group was formed by a successful group of businesswomen who meet to discuss common issues.
Meetings are conducted on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are either held at the GVCC office or off-site at a Chamber member location. Social and educational events are also scheduled throughout the year.
For more information, please call the GVCC at (203) 925‑4981 or visit www.greatervalleychamber.com for more information about joining the Chamber and WIN.
