User:Marilinnewren/Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network

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The Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN)] was founded in 1994 with an ambitious plan to create an 8-month training and support program to assist 10 low-income women in achieving their dreams of business ownership. By the spring of 1995, these WREN pioneers were operating their own enterprises.

Now in its 18th year as a membership-driven, not-for-profit organization, WREN has grown to nearly 1100 members, more than half of whom operate their own businesses. Members report that WREN builds their connections with others, raises their self-esteem, expands their skills, and increases their earnings. Since their modest beginnings, WREN has assisted more than 1800 business owners. 56% of members indicate that their incomes fall within the low or moderate income categories.

Entrepreneurial education, technical assistance, and resources for emerging business owners have been the primary focus of WREN’s work. In 1999, WREN relocated to Bethlehem, New Hampshire, purchasing property to serve as a community, cultural, and economic focal point for the region. Within this facility they created a public access Technology Center and launched two WREN-owned retail ventures, The Gallery at WREN and a store, Local Works Marketplace, which currently offer market access opportunities to 230 member vendors. To date, WREN's retail operations have generated well over $1,000,000 in sales, with 60% going to members. In 2007 WREN acquired a neighboring building, allowing the organization to expand its facilities to include incubator office spaces for developing businesses. 8 entrepreneurs currently run their enterprises in the three WREN incubators. WREN also operates the Local Works Farmers Market, connecting local entrepreneurs and food growers with the greater community. In 2010 they launched a satellite office and successful farmers market in Berlin, NH.

In 2007 the WREN BETA (Business & Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance) program was developed, integrating the nationally known Core Four business curriculum with WREN’s own brand of business coaching and networking. As of May 2012, 230 North Country residents have graduated from BETA sessions offered in Grafton and Coos counties. The course has been offered all over northern New Hampshire, from Plymouth to Colebrook and most recently we have expanded our reach to North Conway in Carroll County. In response to regional needs and member requests, WREN also offers a wide variety of web technology classes in both their Bethlehem and Berlin locations.

WREN also publishes a magazine, the WRENzine, three times a year. A highly acclaimed publication in which members are invited to submit columns and photographs, the WRENzine also provides competitively priced advertising opportunities. Viewed by over 2200 households and businesses, it is considered to be one of the most important assets of WREN membership.

In April of 2008, WREN received the Champion in Action award for Economic Development from Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV. The Local Works Marketplace at WREN is recognized by the New Hampshire Grand Adventures as one of “The Certified Best of New Hampshire Grand” retail experiences. In May 2011, WREN’s Executive Director and Market Access Director were given Women in Business Champions of the Year awards by the Small Business Admininstration of New Hampshire.