Share your voice, connect with similar peers in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and lead change within your community and organization.
In these challenging times, finding ways to connect and build supportive relationships is a must. If you’re a minority working in the St. Louis startup community then consider joining VOICES. If you're a woman, person of color, foreign-born, LGBTQ+ ... minority, then we're here for you!
If you're a minority working at a startup company but your organization is too small to start an affinity group, then consider this opportunity to be part of a community affinity group.
If you're a minority founder of your own startup business and you're looking for ways to connect with other entrepreneurs and resources, then consider this opportunity to be part of a community affinity group.
If you're a minority who works for an entrepreneur support organization that supports founders and startups and you too are looking for a space to connect and gain resources, consider this opportunity to be part of a community affinity group.
VOICES is a chance to share your voice, connect with peers in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and lead change within your community and organization.
During the kickoff meeting, we will introduce the organizers (Lindsey Harrison - BioSTL and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano - CET) and share more about the vision of VOICES:
- What resources will be available to participants
- What to expect for networking opportunities
- What is the commitment to participate
- We also want to hear from you to further develop VOICES into a resource that meets the needs of our community
Even though we'll be virtual, we want to make this a fun networking opportunity. Feel free to bring a snack and your favorite after work beverage. And don't forget to tell a friend!
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
BioSTL is excited to launch VOICES in partnership with CET and with the support of the entrepreneur community.
"BioSTL supports an inclusive entrepreneur community in St. Louis and understands the critical need to better connect minorities to the resources they need to be successful. Launching VOICES is a chance to build collaboration across the ecosystem and use collective power to make an impact." - Lindsey Harrison, Program Manager, BioSTL
"As part of CORTEX and the Center For Emerging Technologies’ efforts to advance inclusive entrepreneurship, I am excited be a part of the launch of VOICES in collaboration with BioSTL. As humans, we have a need to belong in our own unique way and through VOICES, we want to provide opportunities for shared experiences and interests." - Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, Director of Entrepreneurship, Cortex Innovation Community & Executive Director, Center for Emerging Technologies
"I'm encouraged to see steps being taken in St. Louis to support entrepreneurs of historically marginalized groups, but we have a long way to go. Affinity groups like VOICES serve a critical role in creating communities of support - driving further innovation, so CIC is thrilled to support such an initiative." - John Land, Site Director, CIC St. Louis