Jess McLamb Wins Urban Rebound Pitch Competition In Charlotte, NC

Nov. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence (CMI), the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs, has named Jess Roper McLamb of Raleigh, NC as one of 38 Pitch Winners selected for Urban Rebound-Charlotte, which was held Monday, October 29, 2012, at the Westin in Charlotte, NC, as part of a national business growth initiative funded by the Sam’s Club Giving Program to support revenue and job growth for women-owned businesses.  

Urban Rebound is an exciting new business growth initiative for women entrepreneurs to spur local economies and job growth in their communities.

North Carolina is among the top 10 states in terms of the number of women owned businesses – ranked #8 with 256,400. However, it ranks just 39th when it comes to revenue growth among women-owned firms – only 44.3% between 1997 and 2012, compared to the national average of 58%, according to a 2012 report analyzing U.S. Census data.

Urban Rebound aims to help 300 women-owned businesses meet a specific revenue goal within 18-36 months of participating in the Count Me In Business Accelerator Program.  That goal translates into $75 Million in new economic activity and 600-900 much needed new jobs.  

In addition to Charlotte, in 2012 Count Me In presented Urban Rebound programs in Los Angeles and Detroit and is scheduling additional events for 2013.

McLamb was among 50 women entrepreneurs from across the region to pitch their businesses at the event in competition for the prize and among more than 150 participating. The event also featured nationally renowned small business experts and coaches, and dozens of past CMI Awardees sharing advice, expertise, and support.  In addition to hearing inspiring keynotes and participating in networking exercises, attendees also took part in business growth education sessions designed to build their capacities around finance management, social media, leadership, and more.

McLamb is founder and president of Roper Bookkeeping, a division of The Roper Group, Inc. Roper Bookkeeping provides QuickBooks consulting and bookkeeping services to small businesses across the country.

After the second round of competition, which involves assessment of business plans, financial records, and professional references, those chosen as Urban Rebound Awardees will be invited to participate in Count Me In’s Business Accelerator Program. The nine-month intensive provides a focused, proven approach to business growth. The program combines education, accountability and support that includes a curriculum of twice monthly, 75-minute group coaching and training conference calls; essential tools and resources needed to systematically chart revenue growth and put those tools and training into action; and on-going guidance, resources and support for personal and business transformation to facilitate job creation, benefit families, and strengthen communities.

“We are thrilled by the eagerness of women across the country to grow their businesses, create jobs in their communities, and create stability for their families and the national economy,” said Nell Merlino, Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence.

About Count Me In

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses to million dollar enterprises.  Count Me In launched Urban Rebound to inspire community, capacity, and confidence among women business owners and to help them by providing tools, skills, and the support of a nation-wide community of peers. For more information about Count Me In and Urban Rebound, visit www.countmein.org