‘Queen B’ Event Highlights Women Entrepreneurs of Beaver County

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – Women entrepreneurs from Beaver County were the focus of a panel discussion hosted by the Beaver Valley LaunchBox.

The June 5 event, Queen B’s, was held in the B-HIVE (Beaver Valley Hub for Innovation, Venture and Entrepreneurship) and celebrated six entrepreneurs who shared their stories. The panel discussion was moderated by Joline Atkins, artistic director of The Baby Bello and fitness professional who facilitates group strength sessions with women online.

The Queen B panelists were Allison Hutchins of Hutch and Home, Kristi Harper of Café Kolache, Renee Suhr of Stray Cat Studio and The Baby Bello, Debbie Del Monte of A Sense of Eden, Kristen Greco of Nurtured Moms and Stephanie Mason of Mason’s Delectable Delights.

The highlight of the evening was the personal journeys and stories shared by the panelists. The event’s atmosphere was vibrant and interactive, with participants engaged in discussions, sharing the inspiring facets of starting and growing a business.

Prior to the panel discussion the event began with open networking and food provided by local small businesses Chilly Willy Cheese Steaks, Chaotic Java and Mason’s Delectable Delights.

More than 50 attendees, many of whom are successful business owners themselves, attended.

Ashu Kumar, Beaver Valley LaunchBox chief catalyst, created the event concept. Student staff member Stephanie Menor coordinated the event, along with student staff Sanskriti Walia, Katelyn Hauser and Samuel Bickel, who ensured the event’s success and impact.

Beaver Valley LaunchBox, an Invent Penn State initiative, is an early-stage business accelerator program for entrepreneurs. We assist in the business development process by connecting community members to local resources and providing ongoing education and programming. We also offer access to Penn State University legal clinic services.

The B-Hive, a non-profit group located at 1317 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls, has vision to be the hub that educates and connects local entrepreneurs to the support, resources and facilities they need to build a sustainable and scalable business with a viable plan for growth.