Our Women's Entrepreneurship (WE) initiative is a community-based program that lifts women up and taps their potential to increase equity, job creation, and economic prosperity through their ideas, insights, and innovations. This playlist features advice from successful women business owners, funders, and strategists to help aspiring women entrepreneurs in their journeys.
Filter the playlist below to watch videos focused on helping women identify and protect their IP, explore options to fund their ideas, and expand their network of mentors and advisors.
Interested in filming a video? Email WE@uspto.gov.
Introduction
Published on Nov 14, 2022Featuring advice and resources, the WE Initiative aims to lift women up and taps their potential to increase equity, job creation, and economic prosperity through their ideas, insights and innovations.
Protect your business
Published on Apr 7, 2023Why does Cyndi Bray think IP protections are important to business success? “It was important to build an intellectual property wall to fend off copycats-a wall I built even before my product went to market and I continue to shore up as my best defense.”
Published on Apr 7, 2023Government programs like the USPTO’s Patent Pro Bono program can help you develop your intellectual property (IP) strategy. Hear from Joanna Smith-Griffin, CEO of AllHere, to learn why she thinks IP is vital to growing a business.
Published on Apr 7, 2023You don’t have to wait for your brand to become a success to protect it. In fact, applying for federal trademark registration as soon as possible can help you avoid costly rebrands and establish a trusted customer base faster.
Published on Jan 20, 2023Watch this short video with Lisa Jorgenson, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, for tips on how to protect your IP globally.
Published on Jan 20, 2023Protecting your IP is key to starting and maintaining a successful business. Hear from the Honorable Kate O’Malley, retired judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Published on Nov 14, 2022Finding out what kind of intellectual property you have is an important step in protecting your business idea. Hear about how IP protection can help set you up for success.
Expand your network
Published on Apr 7, 2023Women entrepreneurs: we know there’s a lot to think about when you’re first starting your business. Which is why we’re bringing you advice straight from the experts – the people who have already done it successfully.
Published on Apr 7, 2023Learn more about opportunities for women entrepreneurs to find grants to local communities, business incubators, and leverage government resources with Alejandra Castillo, Assistant Secretary at the Economic Development Administration.
Published on Apr 7, 2023Building a network of support can be just as important as protecting your intellectual property and finding funding when starting a business. Other women have been where you are today, and connecting with others can help guide you through the process.
Published on Jan 20, 2023Watch the video for tips on networking from businesswoman and author Shellye Archambeau, former CEO of MetricStream and current Fortune 500 board member.
Published on Jan 20, 2023Whether you’re a woman entrepreneur just starting out on your journey, or you’ve hit a roadblock and need some advice, others have been where you are today. Building a strong network can help guide you through the process.
Published on Nov 14, 2022Hear from the Innovation Outreach team on how connecting with other women can help guide you through the process of protecting your intellectual property and launching your business.
Fund your startup
Published on Jan 20, 2023Several federal agencies offer tools for startups to help secure funding. Hear from Suzanne Borders, CEO and co-founder of BadVR, about her experience with America’s Seed Fund, just one of the great programs available to women entrepreneurs.
Published on Nov 14, 2022Securing funding is an important step to protecting and growing your business. Hear from Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo about several federal agencies that offer tools for startups.
Event Recording
Published on May 24, 2023Have you ever wanted to bounce your ideas off of someone? Hear from experts who provide tips on what to look for, finding and successfully engaging with a mentor, and the benefits of mentorship when starting, growing, or expanding your business.
Published on Apr 7, 2023The event in Phoenix, Arizona kicked off with a fireside chat between Director Kathi Vidal and Sally Morton, was followed by a panel of experts sharing stories and tips on how to secure options for funding a small business.
Published on Jan 30, 2023At this WE event held January 18, 2023 in Naples, Florida, leaders in the IP community and women entrepreneurs shared their stories and tips on why protecting your IP is key to starting and maintaining a successful business.
Published on Jan 20, 2023Hear from leading women at the launch of WE, a community-focused, collaborative, and creative initiative to inspire women and tap their potential to meaningfully increase equity, job creation, and economic prosperity.