More Invest in She events planned

Six women-owned businesses competed Thursday for $40,000 from local investors, with Elizabeth Caven half that amount.

The Invest in She event, in its second year, celebrates female entrepreneurism in Iowa. More Invest in She events are planned, including one Sept. 10 at Sticks, Inc. in Des Moines.

Investors on Thursday night awarded Caven $20,000 for UpCraft Club. Liz Lidgett of Adore Your Walls earned a $10,000 investment.

Megan Knatz of Take the Cake Cupcakes/Ashton Hill Farm & Vineyard, and Stacie Shannon and Michelle Horak of Burst Cycle each received $3,000. Denise Fenwick Beavers of Flaggers National Traffic Control Systems was given a $2,500 investment, and Maria Sanchez-Masi and Kristie VanGorkom of Kittd received $1,500.

'These six women-owned businesses were inspiring,” Diane Ramsey, CEO of Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC), the sponsor of 'Invest in She, said in a news release. 'We were very impressed by the caliber of businesses that were represented, as well as the knowledge, insight, and commitment provided by our investors. We look forward to an equally amazing and informative event in Des Moines in a few months.”

The Corridor investors who took part in Thursday's event included Lynn Allendorf, director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center; Dennis Henderson, HH Ventures; Lura McBride, COO, Van Meter, Inc.; Jaymie and Lindsay McGrath, 'The Sisters of Savings” with The McGrath Family Companies; Heidi Parkhurst, Vice-President – Wealth Management and Senior Resident Director, Merrill Lynch; Ravi Patel, Principal and President, Hawkeye Hotels; Jennifer and Taylor Skogman, Skogman Homes and Tim Wilson, Hawkeye Electric.