FAQ: 8 things you need to know about the SOAR Conference

We are doing things bit differently for this year's SOAR Conference for Women in Business. Yes, it's a 2-day, hybrid conference, but what does that mean? Who should attend? How do I know which in-person event to go to.

We've gone ahead and answered those questions and more, as you prepare for the October 11-13 conference. We hope to see you there!

Who should attend the SOAR Conference?

• Women business owners
• Aspiring small business owners
• Those who want to connect with local women-owned businesses
• Women’s Business Alliance partners and supporters

Can people who don’t identify as women attend the conference?

Yes! The SOAR Conference is open to anyone who would like to attend. Keep in mind that the topics and discussions were chosen with women-owned businesses in mind.

Why should I attend this year’s conference?

1. Connect with women from across the region who share similar goals and challenges
2. Gain strategies for small business success from women who have been there and done it
3. Feel empowered to start or grow your small business
4. Learn about resources available to support you and your business goals
5. It will be fun! We have a great program lined up that is sure to inspire you to take a step out of our comfort zone and take that next step.

How does the format of this year’s conference work?

This year’s SOAR Conference is taking on a two-day hybrid format, which means half of the conference is online while the other half is in person.

The first day of the conference, October 11, will be entirely virtual. You will log on in the morning, listen and engage with SOAR Conference keynote and panelists, and then log off at noon.

For Day 2 of the conference, you decide if you are going to attend the Central Region event near Princeton, MN, on Wednesday, October 12,

OR

the North Region event in Duluth, MN on Thursday, October 13. You only attend one in-person event, not both. We do recommend you choose the event that aligns with the region in which you live and/or do business.

How do I know which regional event to attend?

The Women’s Business Alliance program of the Entrepreneur Fund is divided into two regions, North and Central. You can attend either event, and by attending the in-person event in your WBA region, you will be able to connect and build relationships with other women business owners in your area.

Can I just attend virtually?

Yes, we are also offering a virtual-only ticket for Tuesday, October 11. If you choose to attend only the virtual portion of the conference, you will have access to the optional yoga session starting at 8:30 a.m. and the entire 3-hour conference starting at 9 a.m. and ending at noon.

How much does the SOAR Conference cost?

Early-bird tickets are now on sale through August 31. An early-bird registration costs $50 to attend the virtual and in-person events, it costs $35 to attend the virtual event only.

After August 31, registration costs will increase to $65 to attend the virtual and in-person events, and $40 to attend the virtual event only.

Who hosts the SOAR Conference?

The SOAR Conference is hosted by the Women’s Business Alliance, which is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund and a certified Women’s Business Center of the U.S. SBA, that provides specialized advising, training, networking, and access to capital for women entrepreneurs across 17 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The WBA is dedicated to supporting women at every stage of their small business journey, as well as providing opportunities for professional growth.

If you have additional questions, please reach our team at 218-623-5747 or info@entrepreneurfund.org

Register for the SOAR Conference

Thank you to our sponsors and their commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in our region.