By Global Services on Friday October 19, 2018
According to a recent study conducted by American Express, four out of every 10 businesses in the United States are currently Woman-Owned Businesses (American Express, 2018). The number of Woman Owned Businesses has even surged 58% in the last 11 years, while other businesses have only increased by 12%. Woman-Owned Businesses are on the rise, and more and more women are finding success in one of the biggest spending markets in America: government contracting.
What are the FedFem Awards?
On October 25, 2018, a first-of-its-kind award ceremony will take place to recognize thought leaders and trailblazers in the federal contracting market. While federal contracting was long considered a “boy’s club,” businesses like LeadersNest, a business community that connects thought leaders and influencers through integrated media platforms and events, are taking notice of exceptional female participation in the market. In response, LeaderNest has created the first ever FedFem Awards, which will focus on the contributions of women business owners, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and thought leaders, whose work has tremendously impacted the government contracting community, market, and economy. These women are “mission focused and ready,” says Heather Louise Finch, President of LeadersNest. “They positively impact their local communities through philanthropic initiatives, all while, building wonderful businesses, serving their country, protecting U.S. citizens, and driving innovation in healthcare, technology, cybersecurity, construction, and communications. We [at LeadersNest] are honored to recognize them for their achievements.”
Event Details
This event offers a unique opportunity for business owners and leaders to share their successes, discuss industry trends, and connect. Prior to the ceremony, there will be a networking event, with an opportunity to meet leaders across fields including Combat, Cyber, Defense, Healthcare, HR, and IT/Tech. At the reception, a Nominations Committee of local and national business leaders will announce 37 winners to receive awards under the three following categories (LeadersNest, 2018):
Women-Owned and Female Executive Category:
- 8(a)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- HUBZone
- Minority-Owned
- Service Disabled Veteran (SDVOSB)
- Veteran Owned
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Women-Owned Business
Specialty Category:
- Women in Combat
- Women in Cyber
- Women in Defense
- Women in Healthcare
- Women in HR
- Women in IT/Tech
Alliance Category:
- Mentor-Protégé
In Q1 of 2019, the honorees will be participating in an intimate mindshare event, where they may share their experiences, stories, and advice for prospective female entrepreneurs.
What this Awards Ceremony Means
Despite the increase of Woman-Owned Businesses in America, women are still underrepresented in the government contracting community. Groups like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) aspire to change that. Both organizations have crafted their missions around empowering women in the federal contracting market by advocating for equal representation in policy, accessible resources, and opportunities. The LeadersNest FedFem Awards, drawing on the work of women in organizations before it, is the first ever to salute the impact of Women-Owned Businesses, executives of government contracting businesses, and thought leaders in the federal contracting community, to not only bring attention to their achievement, but to inspire many more women to succeed in the government market.
If you would like to attend FedFem Awards 2018, please register here. Additionally, please follow, @leadersnest, @globalservicedc, and #fedfemawards for live tweets and fun tidbits during the event! Lastly, feel free to reach out to our internal team to inquire about contracting opportunities for Woman-Owned Businesses!
2018 FedFem Awards:
Ecofy
1899 L Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
Thursday, October 25, 2018
5:30PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Reserve your spot here.
About LeadersNest:
LeadersNest connects executives and businesses to a dynamic and influential professional network of thought leaders and influencers. We are a business community with a mission to connect, incubate, and influence its connections through its integrated media platforms and exclusive c-suite and business-led events. Our unique platform is the future of successful business development and networking engagements – providing deep-rooted, valuable relationships and opportunities to soar.