Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance to Host ELEVATE Entrepreneurship Event
Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance to
Host ELEVATE Entrepreneurship Event
During National Women’s Small Business Month
In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, the Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance will host its ELEVATE Entrepreneurship event on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Silver Harbor’s Union + Social in St. Joseph, Michigan.
The celebration will shine a spotlight on the achievements of local entrepreneurs, including the inaugural graduates of the Business Plan Certified small business certification program. This new eight-month program equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategies, and capital-ready business plans needed to launch and grow their ventures.
“This event is all about bringing together small business owners, their support networks, and the broader community to celebrate and strengthen the spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Brandy Jaquez, Managing Director of the WBC. “At the Women’s Business Center, we guide new and seasoned entrepreneurs toward building thriving businesses and creating a sustainable ecosystem of support.”
According to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report, the United States is home to more than 14 million women-owned businesses, representing 39.1 percent of all U.S. businesses and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue. Since 2000, the WBC has facilitated the launch of nearly 350 businesses in Michigan’s Tri-County area, with 90 percent being women-owned and 50 percent being minority-owned.
During the event, keynote speaker, Sarah Jollay, will share her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and highlight the important role established business owners play in fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial community.
Together with her husband, Jay Jollay, they have transformed Jollay Orchards, a 7th-generation family farm, into a sustainable year-round business through innovation, creativity, and a strong social conscience. She also founded The Bainbridge Beverage Company, an enterprise that grew out of the family’s cider wholesaling efforts, now reaching local farmers markets, retailers, and national chains such as Whole Foods through their sister company, Grandpa’s Cider Mill.
Recognized as one of Western Michigan’s leading business figures, Sarah has been celebrated for her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to community development. She is an active member of Michigan Agri-Women and has received numerous honors from regional and state organizations for her leadership and innovation.
“Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship rooted in tradition but fueled by vision,” said Brandy Jaquez. “Her ability to build on a family legacy while driving innovation makes her an incredible role model for both new and seasoned business owners.”
Following the keynote, there will be a graduation ceremony for our 2025 Business Plan Certified class of entrepreneurs. This eight-month accredited course empowers entrepreneurs to access capital and grow their business acumen. This short-term certification program has taught participants essential skills and strategies to design capital-funding ready business plans. Through their dedication and hard work, we are excited to see their businesses add to our vibrant ecosystem of small businesses.
After the ceremony, we will enjoy a lunch by Silver Harbor and desserts by WBC client, Bake Effect, a gluten free bakery based in St. Joseph. There will be time at this event for the entrepreneurs and attendees to expand their networking circles and discuss best practices within the community.
To purchase tickets, visit our Eventbrite. To become a sponsor of this event, contact Chrissy Meek at cmeek@cstonealliance.org.
About the Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance: The Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs with opportunities to achieve financial independence within Southwest Michigan. For more information on the Women's Business Center, please visit www.cornerstonewbc.com
