HASU launches a networking sisterhood

Hook a Sista Up (HASU) invites women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and experiences to attend HASU's launch event on Thursday, June 13, 2013, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at Choice Business Service, 2525 East Paris SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids. The cost is $12.

You'll learn tips for success and pitfalls to avoid, meet and network with other HASU entrepreneurs, and hear about their journeys. The organization offers one-on-one mentoring, seminars and workshops, networking, and access to the resources of its members, who come from various backgrounds and have a variety of expertise.

There's no monetary fee to join HASU. To become a member, you'll have to pay forward a skill to help other members or the organization succeed. Members are expected to share their knowledge and experience. This could take on many forms: helping a member get her finances in order, helping the organization with marketing... you get the idea.

The brainchild of Linda Otterbridge, HASU took root in 2011 in Charlotte, NC, where Otterbridge was living at the time.

"I looked around at all the different businesses and realized that most were owned by women," says Otterbridge. "I thought, what if we took all of our knowledge, experience, and resources and started a sisterhood -- not just helping women already in business, but those who don’t have a business at all and would like access to the resources related to business and entrepreneurship."

Otterbridge says that most women entrepreneurs work at jobs outside their businesses. She chose the name, Hook a Sista Up, to convey the concept of networking.

"We'll hook you up with resources to take you to the next level," she says.

How to get involved:

- Check out HASU's website.
- Go to the event. Register here.
- Become a HASU member.

Source: Linda Otterbridge, HASU founder
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of HASU