Women in Business

Make your Dreams Come True with Mirassou

Mirassou has been a longtime supporter of women-owned businesses over the past three years. Since obtaining capital is the No. 1 obstacle women face in starting their own businesses, Mirassou created the Make Your Dreams Come True with Mirassou contest which provided $50,000 in seed money to help start a "Dream" business.

2007 Winner Announced

Mirassou is pleased to announce that Jeannine Sargent of Charlotte, NC has been named the winner of the 2007 "Make Your Dreams Come True with Mirassou" contest. In addition to the prize money, Mirassou will also provide a team of professional consultants, including business and marketing plan writers, graphic designer, financial planner, and legal expert. To help ensure her business' success, Jeannine will also receive mentoring from an experienced entrepreneur from the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®).

Sargent's winning business idea, "The Red Bow," is a health club for women that offers a holistic approach for the body, mind and spirit in a boutique setting. Her business model includes what she calls the "E3" strategy – evaluate, educate and empower – all to help women make permanent lifestyle changes. "The Red Bow" will have traditional gym offerings, but what differentiates this business concept is that Sargent will provide health screenings such as cholesterol, bone density and blood pressure, as well as education programs in areas of interest to women such as nutrition and stress management. Sargent plans to open the facility in the University City area of Charlotte.

"I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have my dream business actually come to fruition," said Sargent. "What's fantastic about the Mirassou award, besides the $50,000, is the support of experts to help guide my new business. Funds and expert support are essential tools to launch a successful company, and this is truly a once in a million chance for me!"

Sargent's winning concept was selected from more than 350 entrants who wrote an essay that included a description of the business, the consumer appeal of the business, and a plan to implement the business. Twenty semi-finalists were chosen and each was required to submit a formal business plan. The semi-finalists were narrowed down to four finalists: Kerri McCann with Carrot & Kale; Sharifa Whitt with BabyWise LLC and Theresa Rothrock with Creditspeedway.com. Congratulations to all for submitting their business plans and making it to the top four!

Please read about past contest winners.

Mirassou is pleased to announce that Jeannine Sargent of Charlotte, NC has been named the winner of the 2007 "Make Your Dreams Come True with Mirassou" contest.

Mirassou Winery is proud to announce it will again be awarding one lucky couple $10,000 toward expenses for the big day. Enter today!