SWE’s Entrepreneurs Affinity Group (AG) is for SWE members involved in running a business or interested in starting a business.
We have members who have been successfully involved in a business for a long time and have experience to share and also members who are dreaming of starting out on their own.
The goals of Entrepreneurs AG are to:
- Highlight the experiences of successful SWE member business owners
- Connect with other SWE members involved in entrepreneurship
- Provide support and education for SWE members interested in starting a business
Virtual Webinar: The Entrepreneurial Journey With Joyann Hernandez
Join us to hear Joyann Hernandez speak about the journey of starting her environmental health and safety company, Sunflower Environmental. She will inspire you through the struggles of maintaining her career, family, and health that became her motivation, provide the steps and necessary support that helped develop her business, and explain the importance of defining your own goals and what success is to you when building your entrepreneur venture. Through a model that works for her and her family, she hopes to help you find what works for you.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10-11 a.m. PDT / 1-2 p.m. EDT
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Sponsored Activities at WE24
Engineer to Entrepreneur: Case Studies in Business Ownership
- Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 25, 4-5 p.m. CT
- Location: MPCCW – 183 B
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- Speakers:
- Cassie Leonard, ACC, Founder & Principal Coach of ELMM Coaching
- Tricia Drake, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Principal of HVAC Double Check LLC
- Jessica Blake, PMP, MS, Owner and Lead Consultant of Blake Consulting Group
- Abstract: Transitioning from engineering to entrepreneurship is an exhilarating journey, but it’s not without its twists and turns. In this session, we’ll explore the shift from the structured world of engineering to the uncharted territory of entrepreneurship. Hear real-life stories from engineers who’ve taken the leap and discover why they decided to start their own businesses. Hear the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, the lessons learned along the way, and the unique skills engineers bring to the entrepreneurial table. Join us for an engaging session where you’ll gain valuable insights and practical tips for your own career transition. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship as your next move or simply curious about the process, this presentation will provide you with a candid, no-nonsense look at what it takes to engineer your own entrepreneurial success.
Entrepreneurs AG Open Lounge
- Date/Time: Friday Oct. 25, 1:30 pm – 3 p.m. CT
- Location: MPCCW – 474 B
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- Join the Entrepreneurs AG during our open lounge time for free business coaching sessions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is a great opportunity to receive personalized advice, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get expert guidance on your journey. Don’t miss this chance to grow your business with the support of experienced SWE entrepreneurs!
Affinity Group Open House
- Date/Time: Friday Oct. 25, 3:15- 4:45 p.m. CT
- Location: MPCCW – 474 A / B
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- Come meet with fellow SWE entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs and learn more about the Entrepreneurs AG!
Entrepreneurs AG Social Event
- Date/Time: Friday Oct. 25, 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Minghin Cuisine, 1234 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605
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- Join us for a fun and relaxed dinner after the Affinity Group Open House at WE24! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Entrepreneurs AG members and keep the conversation going over some delicious food.
- Note: The time/date may change if there are significant conflicts. Stay up to date on this event on Facebook. You must be a member of the Entrepreneurs AG Facebook Group to see this invitation.
National Entrepreneurship Month Activities
November is National Entrepreneurship Month in the United States. The Entrepreneurs AG is hosting a learning event featuring bestselling authors Cassie Leonard and Wendy Cocke!
Although a book is just an expensive business card, it might just be the most valuable offering you’ll ever share with your customer base. Whether it is the foundation of your business planning or a strategic investment in your future, Wendy and Cassie hope you will use their stories as inspiration to take the first step — just start writing.
Join this session to learn about the writing and publishing process, including how to decide between self, hybrid, and traditional publishing.
Friday, Nov. 8, 2 – 3 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST
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Upcoming Virtual Networking Meetups
Entrepreneurs AG Networking
Nov. 21, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m. PST
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Entrepreneurs AG Networking
Jan. 9, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m. PST
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Learn About Entrepreneurs AG
Jan. 23, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m. PST
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Ways to Get Involved
- Join the Entrepreneurs AG Facebook group and LinkedIn group.
- Opt-in to the Entrepreneurs AG email list. This can be found in your membership portal under Communication Preferences.
- Sign up to volunteer with Entrepreneurs AG.
- Join the SWE Mentor Network and choose Entrepreneurs Affinity Group.
Entrepreneur/Membership Highlights
Each newsletter, we highlight passionate members in our community making waves in their industry. Check out our past entrepreneur/membership highlights:
Entrepreneurs AG Business Directory
Want to support/hire a SWE Entrepreneur? Check out the Entrepreneurs AG Business Directory!
FY25 Entrepreneurs AG Leadership Team
More Information
Connect with us on our various platforms!
Check out our AG Resources! This folder hosts the AG’s Business Directory, past entrepreneur/member highlights, notes/references from programming activities, and other information that may be helpful to support members’ entrepreneurial journeys.
If you would like more information about Entrepreneurs AG, please email Tricia Drake at entrepreneursag@swe.org.
