Women on the Rise to host annual forum in Valley Stream in September

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After about 80 women showed up for last year’s Women on the Rise Forum, the exposition will return to the Gateway Christian Center in Valley Stream for its fourth year on Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re really pushing for the community to come together and really encourage other women to start and grow their small business,” said Marsha Guerrier, founder of Women on the Rise.

At the exposition, women will be able to network with other female small-business owners, gain professional expertise and showcase their products as a vendor.

To help women start a small business, this year’s forum will feature a pitch contest, in which women can pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges who will evaluate each submission. The first-prize winner will receive $1,000 and a three-month coaching program with Guerrier. The second-prize winner will receive $500 and a one-month coaching program with Guerrier, and the third-place winner will receive $250 and a one-hour goal setting session with Guerrier.

Women in attendance will also be able to receive career advice, learn how to develop a personal brand and learn how to become financially independent. In addition, Valley Streamer Kenia Nunez will lecture women about the importance of taking care of oneself. “She’s really going to help women understand that self-care is really selfless,” said Guerrier.

Tickets to the forum cost $65, which includes lunch, a gift bag and access to vendors. Tickets can be bought online. For more information, visit www.womenontheriseny.com.