Madison (December 12, 2017) – The Wisconsin Women’s Council is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from BMO Harris Bank to support Wisconsin’s Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business.
Recognizing the substantial contribution women business owners make to Wisconsin’s economy, the Trailblazer Awards acknowledge the lasting economic impact provided by women who brought their vision to the marketplace at a time when there were few role models and resources to do so. These entrepreneurs created businesses that continue to support families, anchor communities, and carve a path for all women business owners today.
The BMO Harris Bank is a founding and continuing partner in this celebration of women’s entrepreneurship and, in doing so, raising the profile of women’s business ownership across Wisconsin.
“We thank BMO Harris Bank for this grant and their long-standing support of the Trailblazer Awards. A key community-partner, BMO Harris Bank is committed to advancing women’s business ownership across Wisconsin,” said Christine Lidbury, Executive Director, Wisconsin Women’s Council. “By starting and sustaining businesses, exploring markets, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, Wisconsin women business owners play a leading role in our economy. This grant provides the means to recognize these trailblazing entrepreneurs whose leadership continues to provide jobs, promote innovation, benefit communities, and inspire new generations of entrepreneurs.
Award categories include the Business Pioneer and Thrive Awards honoring businesses with sole or majority ownership by a woman, or series of women, of the same company for the past 25-49 and 50 or more years, respectively; and Torchbearer Awards honoring family-owned businesses that are currently run by a female relative of the founder and have been in operation for three generations or more. Nominations for the 2018 Wisconsin Governor’s Trailblazer Awards are currently being accepted at www.womenscouncil.wi.gov/trailblazer.
About Us
The Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business are presented by: Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and the Wisconsin Women’s Council. Lead Corporate Sponsor: BMO Harris Bank; Supporters: Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), Wisconsin Women’s Business Enterprise Certification Program at the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and The Widget Source.
The Wisconsin Women’s Council, established in 1983, is Wisconsin’s statutory commission on the status of women and girls. The Council promotes initiatives that empower women, serves as a clearinghouse for information on programs and resources, provides research and advocacy, and promotes unique partnerships to address barriers and inequalities affecting Wisconsin women. The Council operates under the guidance of a 15-Member Board appointed by the Governor and Legislative leaders.
About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank’s commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$710 billion (as of October 31, 2017), and more than 45,000 employees.
