Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Morenz.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve worked in the nonprofit space in this region for a decade and, at the same time, have had my own businesses on the side – so I have first-hand experience about what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, which resonates with the women who are going through Aviatra’s programs. I’d always been a proponent of Aviatra so when the position of President and CEO became available, it was a perfect fit for my nonprofit, fundraising, public speaking entrepreneurship experience.
I love connecting women with resources that will help them grow their businesses. I also have the opportunity to teach occasionally, which I enjoy immensely. My favorite workshop to teach is called ‘Side Hustle without the Hustle’, where I show people how to set up a side business in 7 days. I learned so much growing my own side hustles and it’s fun to share it all with other entrepreneurs.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My degree is in Interior Design and I had a small firm in Illinois until I moved to the Cincinnati region in 2009. I knew it would take a while to build up the connections I’d need to keep my business viable in this new area, so my original plan was to get a W-2 job to help me pay my bills until then.
Unfortunately, at that time, there were not a lot of office jobs available. So, I worked at 5 jobs for a while, including house cleaning, waitressing at two restaurants, retail and helping my new interior design clients. After a few years, I got a great job at a nonprofit called Skyward. I worked there part-time, balancing it with my design clients, and later transitioned to full-time, doing design on the weekends.
A few years ago, I wrapped up the interior design work and started a new side business writing website copy and email marketing newsletters for clients.
My current position with Aviatra is exciting and rewarding. It feels like the culmination of all the experiences I’ve had throughout my career.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Aviatra Accelerators provides education, connections and resources for women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses faster and with more confidence.
We are unusual because our programs are industry agnostic (rather than focused solely on tech businesses) and unique in the region because we only serve women.
Although Aviatra had strong programs and supporters when I came on board, we are still seeing gaps in resources for women entrepreneurs. To address those gaps, we are creating new programs, including Fuel Your Startup Business Bootcamp, Capital-Ready Women and Second Act Bootcamp.
The biggest struggle for women business owners is access to capital. Our strategy is to help women strengthen their businesses and develop robust business plans with realistic financial projections. As part of our upcoming Capital-Ready Women program, we will personally introduce women to funders so they can develop valuable relationships that should lead to capital for their businesses.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways to get involved with Aviatra: participate in our programs, come to our events, donate, sponsor, teach and volunteer.
Our email newsletter shares everything we have going on, including upcoming events. Here is the link to subscribe: https://mailchi.mp/136bea69c84d/women-on-the-rise
Sponsorships: We have a number of sponsorship opportunities for businesses to connect with and support women entrepreneurs.
Teach: We are always interested in connecting with folks who have valuable knowledge to share that will help women grow their businesses.
Volunteer: There are many ways to lend a hand at our events. We welcome the help!
For more information about getting involved with Aviatra’s mission of helping women entrepreneurs, please visit https://www.aviatraaccelerators.org/get-involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aviatraaccelerators.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aviatraaccelerators/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviatraAccelerators
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aviatraaccelerators/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aviatraaccel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBCpEfXHkE-rlhG_3hd2FjA
Image Credits
Aviatra Team
Jennifer Lynn Pictures
