On centre-stage: Some enterprising Women Entrepreneurs from “The First State”
#WomenEntrepreneurs #DelawareBusiness #FemaleFounders #InnovationLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Delaware, fondly called “The First State”, is fast becoming a fertile ground for enterprising women entrepreneurs who are making waves across industries like – healthcare, food and beverage, real estate & technology. Known for its business-friendly climate, Delaware offers streamlined processes, minimal red tape & tax advantages – that attract and nurture women-led businesses.
Driving Innovation & Growth
Women entrepreneurs in Delaware are not just business owners; they are actually pioneers, carving out niches in competitive industries & leading their communities toward economic growth. The state’s Office of Supplier Diversity plays a crucial role in this journey – offering women-owned businesses access to state contracts, business planning assistance, and funding programs like the Women’s Business Resource Center at the First State Community Loan Fund. Additionally, the EDGE Grant offers targeted financial support to help diverse and women-owned businesses innovate & expand too.
How Delaware’s Business Ecosystem Fuels Women-Led Enterprises
Ranked by CNBC as one of the most business-friendly states, Delaware’s small size enables direct connections with key stakeholders – making it easier for women entrepreneurs to find support, resources, and mentorship. With no sales tax and low property taxes, Delaware not only inspires women to ‘dream big’ but also ensures they have the tools to turn their aspirations into reality.
Here’s presenting some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Delaware.
> Alisa Morkides, Owner, Brew Ha Ha
Owner Alisa Morkides was inspired to open her first coffee shop (in Greenville) after a trip to Tuscany. This home-grown chain of cafés, known for their excellent locally roasted coffee, and in fact, has been named ‘Best of Delaware’ for 23 years straight!
Today, the Founder of Brew HaHa! is a familiar face. She is close to patrons, as they know her personally, or they’ve seen her photo in the magazines and newspaper stories. She has been covered in the media that call her the “creator of a coffee empire” and “queen of the cappuccino”!!
She had started the business without industry experience, is also an inspiration. The winner of a Cornerstone Award from the Delaware Restaurant Association, she’s been a featured speaker at TEDx Wilmington and business meetings.
> Susan Teiser, Owner, Centreville Café
Susan Teiser is the owner of Centreville Café, which is a business establishment that serves food and beverages to customers.
Centreville Café offers a variety of services – such as catering, event hosting, or regular dine-in options, depending on its specific offerings and target market. Besides running the business, her role involves – interacting with customers, developing marketing strategies & maintaining a positive reputation for the café. The Centreville Café owner has been featured many times in the local and national media – ranging from The New York Times to Philadelphia’s NBC Channel 10. Her café is open 364 days a year, serving delicious eat-in breakfast and lunch as well as gourmet heat-and-serve dinners to go, domestic and imported cheeses & fancy baked goods too.
> Abundancechild Xi-El, Owner, Drop Squad Kitchen
Abundancechild Xi-El is the owner of Drop Squad Kitchen, which is unique. It is a ‘vegan’ restaurant that opened in 2012. She experienced many challenges as Fletcher in getting her restaurant going; she did not have a job and that was very depressing.
She explains that her passion lies in “the alchemy of using plants in creating works of art that satisfy the palate.” And we can see that she has truly achieved culinary alchemy!! The vegan dishes she serves are very flavourful and filling and you would never guess they are all plant based!! Interestingly, she also hosts cooking classes.
> Charlotte Maher, Trainer, Fit Delaware
As a qualified professional trainer Charlotte Maher has been helping people achieve their fitness goals for more than 25 years.
Her full-service, one-of-a-kind gym offers a range of services like – personalized health and fitness services including one-on-one training, group classes, sports specific programs, weight loss seminars, and a variety of educational workshops. She custom designs training programs that meets peoples’ needs and goals.
> Sasha Aber, Founder, Home Grown Café
Sasha Aber started this Main Street, Newark mainstay in 2000. It features ‘made- from-scratch’ food for all dietary lifestyles. The restaurant’s colourful walls are decorated with original art, and local musicians provide entertainment on select days. Aber’s café is known for its amazing brunch, available both Saturday and Sunday.
As the Founder of Home Grown Café, she made it a venue that appears to focus on providing a welcoming space for its community. She plays a key role in shaping the café’s atmosphere, menu & overall vision. Home Grown Café may offer a variety of services, such as – coffee, meals, or events, tailored to meet the needs of its customers. Her involvement in the café’s operations points out a total commitment to creating a unique & enjoyable experience for patrons.
> Paula Janssen, Owner, Janssen Fine Foods
Janssen’s Fine Foods has indeed, been a Greater Wilmington landmark for over 50 years. Paula Janssen is the third generation of her family to run this gourmet grocer that prides itself on ‘personalized’ service. In addition to gourmet items, a great selection of cheeses, produce, butcher-quality meats & fresh seafood, Janssen’s also has a full-service florist shop, an on-site café & catering services too.
She is the owner of Janssen Fine Foods – a business that likely specializes in high- quality food products. As the owner, she oversees the day-to-day operations, making key decisions & driving the company’s vision forward. With her expertise in the food industry, she aims to provide customers with unique and delicious culinary experiences. And Janssen Fine Foods may offer a range of products – such as gourmet cheeses, artisanal meats, or specialty condiments, catering to the tastes of food enthusiasts & chefs alike.
Avtar Madan
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