Getting GRANTS For Your Business

Panel Discussion with Xcelerate Women, MESO and Avenue Agency facilitated by NAWBO Oregon around Getting GRANTS For Your Business

About Our Panelists:

Anna Madill, Avenue Agency Stephanie Basalyga, MESO

Mia Birk, Xcelerate Women Jeannet Santiago, Xcelerate Women

Prosper Portland

Anna Madill, Avenue Agency

Anna Madill is an award-winning impact entrepreneur and investor, board member, speaker, mentor and community leader who strives to leave the world a little better each day. Her work as the Founder and CEO of Avenue, a B Corp and 1% for the Planet digital and social media marketing agency for purpose-driven companies serves as a vehicle to empower transformational change for her team, her clients and her community. Avenue’s proprietary suite of marketing products and custom services help brands and businesses of all sizes grow sustainably and successfully. As a Certified B Corporation®, Avenue is proud to be part of a global movement of people using business as a force for good. We believe B Corps are redefining success in business and inspiring businesses to not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world.

Anna’s efforts have been recognized by the Portland Business Journal with the CEO of the Year Award in 2023, Women of Influence Award in 2020 and Forty Under 40 Award in 2017, and by B Lab with the B Corp Best for the World™ (Workers) and B Corp Best for the World™ (Community) designations in 2022, along with a variety of other awards. She serves on a host of boards and is an EO Global Speakers Academy (GSA) Certified Speaker who regularly speaks on the topics of digital marketing, social impact, entrepreneurship, leadership, culture, B Corps and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her four-year-old son and is a proud wife, mom and casual marathoner.

Stephanie Basalyga, MESO

MESO offers a wide range of services, including business classes, consulting, tailored growth planning, access to capital, credit building, and a connection to local resources.

Mia Birk, Xcelerate Women

Mia Birk is an Executive Coach centered on supporting founders as they launch, grow, lead, and exit their businesses. She is also an authorized Everything DiSC® facilitator, business advisor, investor, and independent corporate director for a wide range of companies. She is also a coach and mentor with Xcelerate, a transformative community that supports Oregon’s women and gender expansive business owners on their journeys to success. Learn more at www.xceleratewomen.org.

Jeannet Santiago, Xcelerate Women

Jeannet Santiago brings over 20 years of business development expertise as principal consultant at Alliance Business Consulting LLC, a certified Minority and Woman-owned enterprise serving Oregon and Washington. Her unique perspective comes from founding a marketing design firm and editing Latino Perspective Magazine, giving her firsthand insight into funding challenges entrepreneurs face. Jeannet has guided numerous businesses through government procurement processes and grant applications, helping them secure crucial funding for sustainable growth. As Scappoose's first Latina City Council member, she champions inclusive economic development both through her consulting work and public service, making her an invaluable voice on entrepreneurial funding landscapes.

NAWBO Oregon Professional Development Forum

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Oregon is a vibrant, professional group of women who come together to connect, learn and grow through professional educational forums, training and events. NAWBO Oregon strives to help women business owners and women in business to succeed, to grow, and to thrive. We offer events and membership throughout the State of Oregon and SW Washington. Visit us at nawbo.org.