43
Program aims to help female entrepreneurs
YOUNGSTOWN
Mahoning Valley women seeking to start or expand their businesses, ranging from a hair and beauty company using nontraditional natural and organic products to starting a magazine highlighting Youngstown’s culture, began a nine-week learning journey to achieve their goals.
Working with mentors and under the tutelage of the Youngstown Business Incubator’s new program, Women in Entrepreneurship, 17 women are participating, including 14 finalists competing for a $5,000 grant awarded for the best business plan, said Stephanie M. Gilchrist, WE director.
Jack Kravitz of Kravitz Delicatessen, and his sister, Donia Kravitz Foster, presented $1,200 to cover the WE program fees for the participants on behalf of their family and in honor of their mother, Rose Kravitz, who started the delicatessen in 1939 on Elm Street, because, she said in a video shown last night, “we had to make a living.” Rose, who was an entrepreneur before many women were, eventually moved the store to Belmont Avenue where it remains.
Kravitz said education was important to his mother and that one of her greatest regrets was not having a chance to earn a college degree.
He said she mentioned that regret to former Youngstown State University President David Sweet, and he arranged for her to receive an honorary degree from the university, which was one of her proudest possessions.
“She often said that the one thing no one can take away is your education. Tonight we honor that thought in presenting the $1,200 check,” said Kravitz, who graduated from Ohio State University and earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve University.
“That woman [Rose Kravitz] left a legacy that should simmer in you. We expect some great things from you. There is no ‘I can’t.’ There is only ‘I can, and I will,’ Gilchrist said to WE program participants.
Among those participants are Jessica Sprowl Senedak of Austintown, a vegetarian, who is developing gluten-free and vegan baked goods.
Latina Williams of Warren plans to expand a clothing sewing and alteration business from her home to a storefront, and eventually manufacture clothing.
Donna Cadwallader of Cortland, a retired registered nurse, wants to start a medical-coding business to help medical facilities and doctor’s offices so they are reimbursed for services correctly.