RWomen’s representation in entrepreneurship is critical, Vanessa Jupe told a crowd gathered at Union Station this week, highlighting the power of exposure and building a stronger, more diverse ecosystem. He emphasized setting an example.
“If we don’t start a business, other women won’t realize the potential,” said the founder and CEO of . Rebais an app-based community that educates and empowers mothers and parents of babies aged 0-12 months.
Vanessa Jupe, Reba, speaks at the 2024 C3KC Conference at Union Station. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
During Tuesday’s “Rise of Women Entrepreneurs” panel discussion C3KC Conference — Sponsored by Junior League of Kansas City — Jupe offered an example to illustrate the power of expression. Jupe recalled that he asked one of the Junior League members who was volunteering at the event why he wanted to become a lawyer. The woman pointed to her female relative.
“‘If she wasn’t in my life, I don’t know if I would have chosen law,'” Jupe said members told her.
This language is important at all levels of entrepreneurship and business, Jupe continued. Because women approach problems with new solutions different from those previously explored.
“Women’s mental health, maternal health, menopause support, these are businesses started by women that are making a difference because no one has done it before,” she explained. “We need more of it.”
She added that Kansas City is home to many great women-founded companies that are solving problems with strategies that have never been deployed before.
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Mr. Jupe is AskSAMIE and accessible living room; Maria Myers, Executive Director UMKC Innovation Center. Dr. Kirsten Brown Pursley, CEO Parsley Advisorsmoderated a panel focused on the rise of women entrepreneurs since the pandemic.
Maria Myers of the UMKC Innovation Center speaks about the growth of women in entrepreneurship at the 2024 C3KC Conference in Union Station. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“Women are starting businesses at a very rapid rate these days,” Myers said. Mr. Myers’ organization is dedicated to connecting, supporting, sustaining and empowering the efforts of entrepreneurs in the region and across the country. “In fact, there are a lot of businesses starting right now. The number of startups has increased by 37% since 2020.”
“They continue to rise,” she continued. “When there is total disruption, innovation happens. We have the ability to look at problems, and people have the time to look at problems.”
Vanessa Jupe, Reba, Center, and fellow panelists will participate in the “Rise of Women Entrepreneurs” conversation at the 2024 C3KC Conference in Union Station. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Archie noted that as more women start businesses, it’s important to come together, and one of the biggest challenges of entrepreneurship is isolation.
“Starting a business can feel very isolating, because you may be the only one who understands your vision,” he says. Archie, who founded Place, explained: Named one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023. “Ultimately, you have to get everyone else on board with your bandwagon. That’s the goal. But when you’re working on that bandwagon, it can sometimes feel like you’re doing it alone.”
It’s important to find a network of fellow entrepreneurs, she continued.
“So that you can talk to people who are going through similar things and be your support system,” Archie added. “Most people in your life are probably not entrepreneurs, so it’s hard to talk to people who don’t understand the challenges.”
