Fashion Entrepreneurs to Speak at E-Magnify Gala

We're delighted that entrepreneurs Kiya Tomlin and Demetria Boccella will be joining us next week as guest speakers for our Networking & Cosmetics Gala at Macy's Monroeville Mall (5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29).

Kiya and Demetria will speak about how they got started in business, touch on Spring/Summer fashion trends, and be available to help guests select a wardrobe. 

Kiya Tomlin is a women's wear designer and dressmaker, specializing in custom dresses. With a love of fashion since childhood, Kiya submerged herself in designing textbooks and and sewing manuals, creating prom dresses for friends and family. After graduating from The College of William and Mary, Kiya realized her childhood hobby was actually her true passion. She enrolled at the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Art and Architectural Planning to study design formally, and continues to elevate her craft through fit and couture workshops around the country. At her new studio in Pittsburgh's East End, Kiya works closely with clients to create designs unique to their individual taste and figure. Kiya's designs are elegant and timeless, displaying her love of unusual and luxurious textiles. Clients of all ages, shapes, and sizes looking for a casual day dresses to evening couture can come "experience the design."

It's going to be a great night! Will you join us? Register for just $15 (and receive a $15 Macy's gift card). All proceeds from the night will benefit E-Magnify's programs for women business owners.

Online Events for National Small Business Week

Aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and others are invited to attend the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events held May 12-16, 2014.

Activities will include forums and panels discussing trends in small business, business innovation, financing, growth, matchmaking events, as well as networking opportunities and award ceremonies.  

Events will be held around the country and online. Register for online webinars and live-streaming events at www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek.

About National Small Business Week: Every year since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from across the nation through National Small Business Week.  This year, events will take place across the country to engage the small business community and highlight their importance as innovators and job creators

This year's National Small Business Week will culminate in Washington, D.C., where the 2014 National Small Business Person of the Year will be named.  Candidates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico will be competing for the award. Small business owners and their employees who attend will interact with federal government officials, local elected leaders, representatives from national businesses and other small business experts.

who strengthen the nation’s economy.

Winners' Circle Awards Reception (May 21)

Register today for the 19th Annual Winners' Circle Awards Luncheon Reception. 

Date: May 21, 2014

Location: Greensburg Country Club, Greensburg, PA

Congratulations to this year's winners! 

>>ATHENA® Award
Diane Proctor (Finance Controller, Kennametal, Inc.)

>>Seton Hill University Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

The Progress Fund, represented by Karen Post, Chief Financial Office 

>>Award for Community Service
Norma Skillings (Clinical Research Coordinator, Westmoreland Neurology Associates)

>>YWCA Rising Star Award

Kristen Varoli (Owner/Stylist, Contempo Artistries Salon)

The Winners' Circle Awards Program, presented by Seton Hill University's E-Magnify women's business center, recognizes women, men, businesses, or organizations who advocate for women, women-owned business and our community. 

This year's awards lunch features a new format with food stations and a greater opportunity to network.  Register online here. (Registration deadline is May 14.)

"Shark Tank" Show Seeks Military Veterans

Producers of the TV show "Shark Tank" are looking for Military Veterans with a great product or business in need of an investment for a possible special Veteran’s Day episode.

"Shark Tank," the critically acclaimed, business-themed show, is continuing the search for the best entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products that America has to offer. The Emmy-nominated show features The Sharks – tough, self-made, millionaire/billionaires who give budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their dreams come true and become successful – and possibly wealthy – business people.

To apply, email SharkTankCasting@yahoo.com. Be sure to put VETS CASTING in the subject line.

Tomorrow: ACA Webinar re: Seasonal/Variable-Hour Employees

Join us for this FREE webinar, May 2, 2014, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 

If you own a restaurant, personal care home, landscaping company, or any business that employs people seasonally or with variable hours, do you know if your employees should be covered under the Affordable Care Act?

The time to find out is now.

Featured Speakers: Carl Knoblock (District Director, Western Pennsylvania SBA Office) and Jacqueline Lampert (Founder, Lake Street Strategies, LLC).

There is no charge to attend this webinar, but registration is required.

 Learn more and register for free here.