In March, MEDB’s Women in Business Seminar Series celebrated Women’s History Month with guest speaker Angela Garmon, an award-winning business owner and philanthropist. The founder and CEO of ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC, a strategic change management consulting firm that supports diverse teams nationwide, spoke about how not only to handle change but to embrace it. The Women in Business Seminar Series is presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) in partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) and supported by the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and the County of Maui.

“WBEC is one of the official certifiers for SBA Women Owned Small Business certifications,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “Businesses can get certified as being a 51% owned and operated (Minority, Women, Veteran) in order to qualify for special consideration in government and private contracts and to participate in a sponsor company’s Supplier Diversity programs.”

Garmon described how to use SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) Analysis when you are setting new goals, rolling out new products, services, and identifying your next move. “To stand out in your field, explore ways to leverage your strengths to drive competitive advantages and opportunities,” she explained. “Understand the weaknesses that may leave you vulnerable to the competition, and identify ways to expand the share of the marketplace by minimizing the threats. In addition, use SWOT to create a solid plan of action. It will help you prep for opportunities and potential barriers, serve as a pulse check, as well as indicate that more work is required.”

Kat Tracy, Akakū Director of Education, said, “Today’s seminar inspired us to take action and consider what we need to start, stop, or change, no matter the size or the challenges in our businesses and lives.”

Brandy from Cajudoy Construction, LLC shared,” My WBEC certification and the MEDB Women in Business Seminar Series have both provided me with an abundance of opportunities. Today’s discussion offered help in how to use SWOT to evaluate my business going forward.”

President and CEO of WBEC-West Dr. Pamela Williamson added, “MEDB provided yet another conversation with great information and lots of food for thought.”

You can view the replay at https://www.medb.org/conquer-change-and-cultivate-results-new-women-in-business-seminar/