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Doyenne

Invest in an organization dedicated to building communities where women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds thrive.

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Project Description

Doyenne

Doyenne creates equitable communities where women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds thrive. Equitable communities are those that recognize women entrepreneurs’ power and invest in their potential.

 

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Doyenne believes everyone should be their audacious selves. This means being brave, bold, empowered, accomplished and using your voice to make change happen. Women aren’t broken, but the public perception of entrepreneurship is. Women do not need to be anything besides their badass-selves to be able to build the ventures of their dreams and accomplish all their entrepreneurial goals.

Why Invest in Doyenne?

“When you help a woman, you help a woman entrepreneur, you help an entire economy” -Julann Jactzak, VP of Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation

Since Doyenne’s inception in 2012, all of our programming, the Doyenne Evergreen Fund and organizational operations has been possible through gracious corporate supporters and partnerships, local foundations, city and state economic development grants, programming fees, and individual contributions. We run on a very lean budget with over 75% of our annual budget going toward supporting our entrepreneur members.

 

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Now is the time to invest your treasure for the next phase of Doyenne. The dollars you invest in Doyenne go to work to create an impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which creates impact across our entire economy, and increases the services and amenities Doyenne will provide.

Dollars raised through this crowdfunding campaign will offset programming fees for entrepreneurs attending our programming and make it possible for Doyenne to expand into new communities where community leaders are requesting we bring our knowledge, programming and mindset.

Doyenne’s vision is to be in five cities outside of Wisconsin by 2022. To make this vision a reality, we are piloting programs in 2018-2019

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in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

By using Milwaukee and Green Bay as test cities, we will be able to identify what is already working within these existing ecosystems, where there are gaps, and how Doyenne will fill those gaps and  collaborate with local organizations. We will then be able to expand the model into other regions across the United States.

Matching Dollars

Doyenne has created matching dollar partnerships with local corporations to double every dollar you invest into Doyenne. These matching dollars will double our impact and opportunity for success. Thank you to the following corporations for making this opportunity possible

H(er)story

 

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Founded in 2012 by Heather Wentler & Amy Gannon, Doyenne rights two wrongs. First, the founders wanted to eliminate the gender gap in the entrepreneurial community and second, they were tired of asking and hearing time and time again, “Where are all the women?” Rather than continue to complain about the inequity within the community, they decided to do something about it. Doyenne is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run by the founders, a Board of Directors, and five volunteer committees totaling over 30 individuals.

Doyenne hosts over 20 events throughout the year, with some programming open to the public and some focusing on entrepreneur development. We have steadily seen a 20% growth in our programming attendance over the past three years. We have impacted over 100 local companies through our developmental programming, coaching and pitching events, and thousands of individuals through our systematic approach to working within an ecosystem.

Systematic Approach to Changing an Ecosystem

Entrepreneurship happens within a life. No matter their gender, age, ethnicity, or prior experiences, when individuals step into entrepreneurship they bring knowledge, skills, ideas, and a willingness to take a risk on themselves to launch their ventures.

Doyenne understands that as entrepreneurs grow their ventures, their skills, network and resources also need to grow along with them. We have developed a multi-faceted approach to meet the entrepreneurs where they are along their entrepreneurial journey and work with them to move their venture to the next level of success. These approaches are fluid and work in conjunction with each other, not in a sequence.

 

  • Building an army of women who have strong entrepreneurial skills
  • Shifting the community narrative
  • Investing money into ventures owned, led, and operated by women and people of color
  • Encouraging women to see themselves as investors, not just philanthropists

 

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Doyenne builds an army of women entrepreneurs through our developmental programming. This programming takes women entrepreneurs through the process of shifting their identity from “previous life title” to entrepreneur to CEO & leader of their venture. These workshops are for entrepreneurs, co-founders, partners and collaborators to spend time thinking strategically about where the venture is heading and how to prepare for the next phase. Over 100 companies have attended these programs since they started in 2014.

Shifting the Narrative

When was the last time a woman attended a public entrepreneurial event and did not feel like one of very few in the room? For many women this is an all too common experience when attending networking events, panel discussions, and conferences. When you do not have opportunities to see people who look like you living out similar dreams, you cannot see yourself taking the first step.

 

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  • Doyenne founders sit on over 15 organizing committees, advisory boards, and Board of Directors. In these roles,  they aim to address diversity and inclusiveness at events, panels, conferences, and in media outlets.Increase Your NetworkDoyenne hosts events to expand your network reach. These public events have regional attendance for learning about our members, their ventures, and how to become an ally to our movement.

Fund the Ventures

Women-led ventures continually out-perform their male peers when it comes to return on investment. Research shows women know how to do more with less money, drive higher revenues and complete successful exits. Even with this data only 7% of all investment dollars go to teams with a minimum of one woman on the founding team. To flip that, it means 93% of all investment dollars are going to all-male led companies.

The Doyenne Evergreen Fund puts dollars into the hands of women-led and people-of-color-led ventures to provide access to increased capital. It also creates increased opportunities for follow-on dollars from outside lenders and investors. Doyenne has raised $1.2 million (to date) through local and state government agencies, foundation dollars, and private dollars. This Fund provides $5,000 grants and up to $50,000 in loans and equity investments for women and people of color running Wisconsin-based ventures.

 

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We call this an “Evergreen Fund” because the term “evergreen” means all returns from deals will cycle back into the Fund and become available for additional ventures. Companies that receive dollars from the Doyenne Evergreen Fund also go through a 12-month Accelerator Program, which consists of Doyenne programming, coaching, and Doyenne partner programming.

Ms. "Investor"

 

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Women have more individual wealth right now than at any other time in history, yet women still see themselves as needing permission to put their dollars to work. Only 8% of all Venture Capital firms in the US have female partners, and the numbers are only slightly higher for the number of women angel investors. Yet, on average, women investors make better deals and yield higher returns on their investments. So then why aren’t more women investing their dollars?! Simple answer, it’s {still} a man’s world. Women have to start taking steps to leverage their dollars to create a greater impact for our future women investors.

Traditionally women are viewed as the caretakers who make sure the family is being fiscally responsible, while men are seen as the breadwinners and financial decision makers in many households. This stereotype is simply not true anymore. Doyenne is creating avenues for women to understand who qualifies to be an investor, how to invest in the entrepreneurial ecosystems and how to invest in entrepreneurial endeavors to get in on portfolio deals.

Membership Model

Doyenne offers three types of membership

  • Woman Entrepreneur rate $150/yr
  • Community Member (Men & Women) rate $250/yr
  • Woman Student (K-12, post-secondary education) rate $50/yr

Doyenne has over 200 individuals who are members of the organization. Our membership is comprised of 75% women entrepreneurs and 25% Community Members & Students. Doyenne’s primary focus is to support women entrepreneurs and their ventures. Our membership reflects this statement.

 

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Individuals receive benefits within the organization that are only accessible through membership.

  • Workshops identified as Developmental Programming
  • Monthly Featured Entrepreneur
    • Blog post about an entrepreneur and their entrepreneurial journey on Doyenne website
    • Opportunity to speak at locally organized 1 Million Cups event
    • Speak at a Doyenne Connect Event
  • Funding through the Doyenne Evergreen Fund
  • Access to our network of individuals and resources
  • Promotion of venture and services offered
  • Visibility through Doyenne public events and partnered programming

Be Audacious!
Join our Movement and invest in Doyenne

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

What does the term "Doyenne" mean? Doyenne is a French term. It means "a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field".

What does Doyenne do? Doyenne provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs to grow as entrepreneurs while growing their ventures. We do not provide day-to-day business task workshops (i.e.: How to use QuickBooks or write a business plan), instead we have cultivated local partners who focus on those types of services and we refer our members to those opportunities. Doyenne helps women entrepreneurs think about the bigger picture and strategy of how to dream big and reach the "crazy" goals they have for their ventures.

Where can I find more information about Doyenne as an organization? Please visit our website http://www.doyennegroup.org or feel free to email us at [email protected]

Who manages the organization? Doyenne has two paid staff, Heather Wentler & Amy Gannon, who serve as the Directors of the organization. We also have a Board of Directors, five volunteer-led committees, an army of interns and contracted consultants.

What is the Movie Night event? Doyenne held the first Movie Night event as a fundraising event in 2017 and because of the overwhelming response to the event, we are making it part of the crowdfunding campaign this year.

The film we will be showing at the event is She Started It

Doyenne partners with local organizations whose mission is to support girls who have interests in entrepreneurship. All of the donor levels include tickets for girls from our partner organizations to attend the VIP pre-screening event and the film screening at no cost to them or the partner organization. These organizations are vital to getting more girls thinking about and seeing themselves as future business leaders and professionals, we are so grateful to have them in our community.

Partner Organizations:

VIP guests (early bird donors) will attend the pre-screening event for networking, Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar at UW-Union South.

The only way to attend the Movie Night is to donate at the $100 or higher donor levels. We will not be selling tickets to this event outside of the crowdfunding campaign.

Doyenne administration will email all donors in advance of the event with details and additional information.

What is the Crowdfunding Bash? The Crowdfunding Bash is a way for donors to celebrate Doyenne besides through a fiscal gift. We are highlighting Doyenne members throughout the event to talk about the benefits they and their ventures have received because of being part of the organization

  • Bands will each play a 45-minute set during the event
  • Morningstar
  • Venus in Furs
  • Food: Appetizers will be provided by Brown Rice & Honey
  • At 7 PM we will have Birthday cake provided by Curtis & Cake to celebrate Doyenne's 6th Birthday
  • Special Doyenne members who have presented at Doyenne Showcase, 5x5x5 and companies who have received funding through the Doyenne Evergreen Fund will be in attendance

VIP guests (early bird donors) will get special one-on-one time to meet the band members and have preferential seating during the event.

The only way to attend the Crowdfunding Bash is to donate at the $125 Let’s Party level or higher. We will not be selling tickets to this event outside of the crowdfunding campaign.

Doyenne administration will email all donors in advance of the event with details and additional information.

What if I donate at levels with the Crowdfunding Bash as a reward after the event? If you donate at the $125 level or higher after April 17th, we'll turn your Crowdfunding Bash tickets into Movie Night tickets. You'll receive an email prior to the Movie Night event letting you know about the event.

What is a Doyenne1000 membership? Doyenne1000 members are individuals who contribute a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 or more annually to the organization. They receive all of the same benefits as our other members.

Are the dollars earned through the crowdfunding campaign only going to benefit women in Madison, Wisconsin? Doyenne's membership has reach across Wisconsin and surrounding states. To date we have only offered programming in Madison, WI, but we are going to be using a portion of the funds received through this crowdfunding campaign to expand our programming outside of Madison to other communities in Wisconsin and potentially the mid-west region.

Are their requirements for ventures Doyenne works with? Doyenne does not focus on certain industries, types of ventures, or amount of time women are putting into their ventures. Entrepreneurship is a journey; Doyenne meets women where they are at on their journey and works with them to move forward.

What does Doyenne consider a "successful" venture?  That depends on how the entrepreneur defines success. Success is not just a measurement of the amount of revenue, number of employees, or an acquisition/exit. Success is also being able to make enough revenue to maintain a certain quality of life, being able to manage a full-time job and a venture, having work-life balance and being able to achieve non-professional dreams too.

Are men and people who identify as male able to be part of Doyenne? Yes! Doyenne is about creating an inclusive, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem, not a silo where "the women go to find support".  Men are encouraged to become Community Members of the organization, attend our public programming, and coach our women entrepreneur members.

Doyenne's Evergreen Fund also awards dollars to companies that are majority owned by men of color.

What is Doyenne doing to change the public perception of "being a place for middle-class white women"? Doyenne believes to be able to claim an ecosystem is diverse and inclusive means having all individuals represented. We make intentional decisions to highlight diversity between ages, races, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic backgrounds when we select our members to promote at our events. We are making steps to address the lack of diversity among our Board and Committee members as well.

Doyenne's programming and membership prices are set to be able to deliver high-end content and services at a price point that all entrepreneurs can afford. We offer payment plans for all of our Developmental programming and memberships so people can pay over time instead of all at once.

Are there age requirements for entrepreneurs Doyenne works with? Doyenne has worked with entrepreneurs from K-12 students through "retired" individuals as they build their ventures. Age is not a factor when it comes to entrepreneurship; a willingness to learn and bring your experiences to the table are all it takes to build a successful venture.

Does Doyenne offer "group" or "company" membership?  We do not offer "group" or "company" membership. The majority of our programming allows co-founders and partners to attend under the women entrepreneurs’ membership. It benefits the community by having separate membership for individuals instead of "group" or "company" memberships.

Does Doyenne have coworking space for members?  Doyenne partners with local to Madison, WI coworking spaces Horizon Coworking, StartingBlock Madison, Synergy Coworking and Matrix Coworking. Instead of offering our own space to work, we encourage our members to look into our partner's spaces to find the right fit for them and their work styles.

05/30/2018
Thank You!
$25
05/21/2018
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$25
05/18/2018
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$500
05/10/2018
Thank You!
$25
Rex
05/10/2018
Empower Women
$100
05/10/2018
Mother's Day Gift
$65
05/08/2018
Thank You!
$25
05/08/2018
Get Your Groove On
$50
J
05/07/2018
We Rise By Lifting Others
$250
05/07/2018
Student Section
$20
Monetary Contribution With No Reward

Just Because I Care

59 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Student Section

1 ticket for a student of any age to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

149 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Thank You!

You'll receive a limited-release Doyenne swag sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

1983 Left
17 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Get Your Groove On

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

141 Left
9 Supporters
Select this reward
65.00 USD
Mother's Day Gift

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Doyenne Movie Night. Mom, bring you child (girl & boy) of any age to the Doyenne Movie Night to celebrate women entrepreneurship.

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

1 Doyenne Tiger T-shirt

148 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Doyenne Tiger Merch

1 T-shirt
1 Tumbler Mug
1 Tote Bag
1 Sticker

82 Left
18 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Empower Women

1 ticket to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive a limited-release Doyenne swag sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

987 Left
13 Supporters
Select this reward
125.00 USD
Let's Party!

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

 

 

93 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
We Rise By Lifting Others

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

1 ticket to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including a T-shirt, sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

494 Left
6 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
#SquadGoals

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You can bring different guests to each event!

499 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Be Fierce

An additional Movie Night ticket will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the VIP pre-screening event and movie screening (Partnership organizations listed in FAQs)

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

495 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Doyenne1000

Doyenne1000 membership (refer to FAQ)

An additional 5 tickets will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the VIP pre-screening event and movie screening (Partnership organizations listed in FAQ)

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon(info on bands companies in FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

46 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Audacious

You donation will also provide a gift Doyenne membership to a woman entrepreneur

Doyenne1000 membership (refer to FAQ)

An additional 5 tickets will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the screening

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (Refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon. (info on bands and companies in FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Madison, WI
Created 1 Campaign
Business Services

Rewards

Monetary Contribution With No Reward

Just Because I Care

59 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Student Section

1 ticket for a student of any age to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

149 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Thank You!

You'll receive a limited-release Doyenne swag sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

1983 Left
17 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Get Your Groove On

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

141 Left
9 Supporters
Select this reward
65.00 USD
Mother's Day Gift

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Doyenne Movie Night. Mom, bring you child (girl & boy) of any age to the Doyenne Movie Night to celebrate women entrepreneurship.

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

1 Doyenne Tiger T-shirt

148 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Doyenne Tiger Merch

1 T-shirt
1 Tumbler Mug
1 Tote Bag
1 Sticker

82 Left
18 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Empower Women

1 ticket to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive a limited-release Doyenne swag sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

987 Left
13 Supporters
Select this reward
125.00 USD
Let's Party!

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

 

 

93 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
We Rise By Lifting Others

1 ticket to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

1 ticket to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including a T-shirt, sticker and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

494 Left
6 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
#SquadGoals

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You can bring different guests to each event!

499 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Be Fierce

An additional Movie Night ticket will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the VIP pre-screening event and movie screening (Partnership organizations listed in FAQs)

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

495 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Doyenne1000

Doyenne1000 membership (refer to FAQ)

An additional 5 tickets will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the VIP pre-screening event and movie screening (Partnership organizations listed in FAQ)

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon(info on bands companies in FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

46 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Audacious

You donation will also provide a gift Doyenne membership to a woman entrepreneur

Doyenne1000 membership (refer to FAQ)

An additional 5 tickets will be awarded to a Doyenne Partner Organization targeting young girls for a next generation woman entrepreneurs to attend the screening

VIP treatment at the Crowdfunding Bash & Movie Night (Refer to FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Crowdfunding Bash happening on April 17th at the High Noon Saloon. (info on bands and companies in FAQ)

2 tickets to the Doyenne Movie Night event happening on May 10th. The Doyenne Movie Night will be hosting a special screening of a film focusing on women entrepreneurs (info in FAQ)

You'll also receive limited-release Doyenne swag including 2 T-shirts, 2 stickers and a thank you postcard from Doyenne Board of Directors to be sent after the campaign

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward