OCT NIBJ: Women in business: Building success together in Sandpoint

Women have always been an important part of Sandpoint’s business community. From entrepreneurs and business owners to managers, professionals, employees, nonprofit leaders, and community volunteers, women contribute every day to the strength and character of our local economy.

At the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, we believe a thriving business community is built where people have opportunities to connect, learn from one another, promote their businesses, and grow together. Our mission is to advocate for business development and tourism in the Greater Sandpoint area, and supporting women in business is an important part of that larger mission.

One of the greatest strengths of Sandpoint is the willingness of people to help one another. Women in business often understand the value of collaboration particularly well. A conversation over coffee can lead to a new customer. A networking connection can become a partnership. A mentor can provide encouragement at exactly the right moment. And sometimes, simply knowing that someone else has faced the same challenge can make all the difference.

Women entrepreneurs and business leaders face many of the same challenges as other business owners — finding customers, managing finances, hiring employees, balancing priorities, and adapting to a changing economy. But they also bring unique experiences, perspectives, and talents to the workplace. When women share those experiences, everyone benefits.

That is why the chamber has partnered with Alisha Kowalski and Dr. Jennifer Steinbachs, to organize “Catalyst: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Change,” a one-day conference on Monday, November 9, at the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center for women at work in Sandpoint ― business owners and employees alike. It’s built around a single practical question: Why do capable women consistently undercharge, underbuild, and underprotect in their business ― and what actually changes that? The conference will comprise meaningful panel discussions and deep-dive breakout sessions covering financial, legal, brand marketing, practical business systems, and more.

“This conference has been a dream of mine for three years as a result of listening to the experiences of many local women. I envisioned Catalyst as a place where women could move beyond inspiration and leave with something tangible ― a clearer business direction, a 90-day action plan, the beginnings of a business plan, and a better understanding of what it takes to become financially and funding-ready,” said Alisha Kowalski, Assistant Branch Manager at WaFd Bank, Certified Happiness and Life Coach with 7B, and founder of Sandpoint Women in Business. Register at sandpointchamber.org and get ready for some great takeaways!

The chamber believes that supporting women in business is about more than professional success. It is about building relationships and creating a community where people cheer each other on. It is about celebrating the woman who finally opens the doors to her first storefront, the professional who takes on a leadership role, the entrepreneur who turns an idea into a successful company, and the mentor who takes time to help someone coming up behind her.

Sandpoint is fortunate to have so many talented and resolute women contributing to our community. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate them — and to help create opportunities for even more women to connect, collaborate, and succeed. Join us on November 9!

Joan D. Urbaniak is executive director of The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at [email protected].