Women of Influence Summit Women-Owned Business Market Request for Proposals

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan annual Women of Influence Summit helps raise critical funds for early childhood education and literacy work in Southeastern Michigan. The summit has raised more than $1.6 million over the last eight years to support this important work.

We are looking for 10 women-owned businesses to participate in our marketplace on Friday, March 14. Over the last two years, we have been able to reinvest more than $50,000 into our local economy through our Women-Owned Business Marketplace thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and supporters.

The marketplace is designed for human connection and network building. At the same time, small businesses are positively impacted by being able to sell their products in bulk. For many of the businesses, the marketplace will represent their largest sale to date.

Our blog showcases inspiring stories and insights from women-owned businesses that have participated in the annual Women of Influence Summit. Read about their journeys, successes and the impact they’ve made here.

benefits of participating

  • The ability to showcase your small business, product and services to an audience of more than 700 corporate leaders, community advocates, dignitaries and more.
  • Businesses will be featured on our social media accounts with 25,000+ followers.
  • All products will be purchased prior to event by United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
  • No entry cost to table at event.
  • 1:1 coaching and preparation for the event.
  • Two tickets to the event, including a plated breakfast and a chance to hear the keynote session.

ELIGIBILITY

Categories of vendors:

  • Food (prepackaged and sealed food/non-alcoholic drinks, etc.)
  • Apparel (women’s clothing or unisex clothing)
  • Accessories (handbags, jewelry, scarves, etc.)
  • Beauty and wellness products (candles, skincare, etc.)
  • Gifting (ex. paper goods/stationery, Detroit themed, décor, books, glassware, etc.)

Please note, we reserve the right to adjust this target selection based upon actual application submissions.

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 51% women-owned
  • Ability to be at event from 6 a.m. to noon on the day of the event
  • Vendors must be selling a product. No service-based businesses will be accepted.
  • Products cannot contain alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons.
  • Ability to provide 200-250 units at a wholesale rate of $6-$10 per unit
  • Ability to provide a business invoice and W-9 documentation at time of payment

Timeline

Monday, Sept. 9: Application opens

11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Application closes

Friday, Jan. 24: Businesses announced

APPLY

Click here to apply.

Contact information

Questions? Email WomenUnited@LiveUnitedSEM.org.