The IWEC Foundation Co-Hosted a Resource meeting with the Trade Commissioner Association in New York this morning along with the US Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center, Science, Industry & Business Library and New York District Export Council. Over 40 Trade Commissioners were in attendance to learn more about all the trade and economic resources available to them and their constituents here in New York. SIBL has over 85 business databases where companies can find information about competitors, locate venture capital firms, research potential corporate clients, etc. Usage of the databases is free and is a very valuable resource for all companies wanting to do business in the US.
Katharina Ruckelshausen-Oni, brandlove (an IWEC Supporter), also joined in the meeting to let them know about her branding and marketing company and services available to companies entering the NY market. IWEC Foundation’s Executive Director presented IWEC’s mission and connections for successful women enterprises globally.
Today’s second event for IWEC Foundation was at the Fashion Institute of Technology and featured a panel of Entrepreneurs who have created successful brands internationally in the fashion and cosmetics markets. Discussed were challenges in “going global” as well as lessons learned and successes achieved. Each entrepreneur gave tips on what pitfalls for entrepreneurs to avoid and told stories about how they learned these lessons the hard way. Shoptiques owner Olga Vidisheva also noted the challenges in taking your business global and protecting your intellectual capital for example. Knowing your markets and having your lawyers make sure you are protected is essential. Karolina Smarlak also noted the importance of understanding all aspects of US customs if you are importing materials to the US to use for your products. Pictured here are (l-r): Joanne DeMartini, Jump Design Group; Josh Gordon, Founder & CEO of Noyah Cosmetics; Olga Vidisheva, Founder & CEO Shoptiques.com and Karolina Zmarlak, Designer, Karolina Zmarlak. Over 100 entrepreneurs and FIT students attended the session.