Women In Networking ("WIN") Fund

Teamwork has made quite a few remarkable things happen since these dynamic Valley women came together. The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Women in Networking (WIN) group was founded in 2002 by successful businesswomen in the Valley who meet twice each month at the Chamber or offsite at a Chamber member location to discuss common issues. It is the first group of its kind to service the six-town region of the Naugatuck River Valley.

In 2003, the members of WIN learned that there were no grant programs in the area available for women-owned businesses. They voted to use excess funds available in their treasury to establish the Women in Networking Grant program, which provides financial assistance to women entrepreneurs 18 years or older in the Greater Valley area. With the establishment of a permanent endowed fund at the Valley Community Foundation, in addition to their annual efforts raising money for the grants program, they have insured that funds will be available for women owned businesses in the Valley forever.

"We had been having conversations with the VCF for quite some time," said former WIN Chair Cara Mocarski. "We wanted to ensure that the program would continue to outreach to women, and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in the Valley. Giving back to the community is so important to all of us - and the Foundation provided a great vehicle for us to achieve our goals for posterity."

"We are very proud of the Women in Networking group," said Chamber President Bill Purcell. "What they have accomplished in the few short years that they have been in existence speaks volumes about their enthusiasm and determination. This Fund will help to ensure that the goals they have for the future of women owned businesses throughout the Valley will be met both now and in years to come."

"The Chamber has been so supportive of our work," said Ms. Mocarski. "From the very beginning they've believed in us and what we wanted to do. Their partnership with the Foundation has allowed us to take this program to the next level and to truly make a difference in the lives of business women throughout the Valley for generations to come."