Hera Labs Achieves Nonprofit Status, Launches Giving Tuesday Campaign

Female founders participate in a Hera Labs SCALE session hosted by entrepreneur in residence, Samantha Urban.

San Diego’s female-focused business accelerator Hera Labs has achieved nonprofit status and is marking the occasion with a fundraiser timed to Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which falls this year on Nov. 29.

“This is a crucial time to invest in female business leaders who are still working to break the glass ceiling,” said Dr. Silvia Mah, Hera Labs’ executive director. “We’re meeting fantastic women with brilliant ideas and giving them the resources they need to launch their businesses and support their families. Now as a nonprofit, we’re partnering with local, state and national governmental agencies to support female-led businesses and drive economic growth.”

The organization, which hosts workshops, labs and conferences aimed to help female-run businesses take off and grow has set its sights on raising $10,000 this holiday season. The funds will enroll five individuals with business ideas in the Hera Labs 12-week LAUNCH Intensive workshop where they will turn those ideas into scalable business plans.

Women entrepreneurs gather for a pitch competition hosted by Hera Labs. The female-focused business accelerator has its sights on raising $10,000 to support local entrepreneurs.

Hera Labs has set a goal of engaging 400 individuals and groups to invest in the future of women entrepreneurs in San Diego by donating $25 each to the campaign. To donate, please visit bidpal.net/ENTREPRENEUR or text ENTREPRENEUR to 243725.

Notable San Diego-based businesses that have completed LAUNCH or SCALE programs include Meowtel.com, founded by Sonya Petcavich; Stick With It, founded by veteran Monetta Plassmeyer; and Giventure, founded by UC San Diego alumna Sneha Jayaprakash.

About Hera Labs:

Hera Labs is a female-focused business accelerator that equips entrepreneurs through intensive workshops to launch, grow and sustain profitable businesses. Interactive labs, strategy sessions, female-founder intensives and accountability groups offer sustained support that allows women-led businesses to flourish. For more information, please visit www.heralabs.com.