Sam's Club supports women entrepreneurs with Count Me In alliance

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Sam's Club has partnered with Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence for a first-of-its-kind joint initiative to champion women entrepreneurs nationwide. In celebration of Sam's Club 25th anniversary, the Wal-Mart Foundation will make a $580,000 donation to Count Me In, the leading national nonprofit provider of business resources and community support for women entrepreneurs building and growing their businesses, to help recognize the innovation and job creation potential of small businesses and heighten women entrepreneurs' role in the nation's economy.

"Count Me In is making a difference for women business owners and the communities where they live and work," said Sharon Orlopp, senior vp of the people division at Sam's Club. "We applaud the CMI mission and believe this investment will further their efforts to support the economic independence, professional development and success of women."

With the commitment from Sam's Club, Count Me In will be able to expand its program to include female-owned businesses with revenue sales below $50,000 up to $500,000. To launch the partnership, Count Me In will provide direct resources to assist 625 women through its business growth programs. Twenty five female business owners from around the country will receive a Sam Walton Emerging Entrepreneur Award on Oct. 7 at Count Me In's Make Mine a Million $ Business event. The remaining 600 women will be announced later.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Sam's Club to support the growth of more women entrepreneurs across the country," said Count Me In's founder and ceo Nell Merlino. "By creating new jobs and generating revenue, these women are the backbone of their communities and the national economy."

The Sam Walton Emerging Entrepreneur Award winners were selected based on their business profiles, their commitment to community and their personal development. Awardees will receive one year of paid professional business coaching, free access to Count Me In's educational resources and seminars and a Sam's Club Business Membership, made through a separate donation from Sam's Club.