Springboard Patrons

Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International, one of the leading accounting, tax, and business advisory organizations. Through member firms in more than 110 countries, including 50 offices in the United States, the partners and employees of Grant Thornton member firms provide personalized attention and the highest quality service to public and private clients around the globe.

Grant Thornton's Technology Industry Practice offers a full range of services to technology-driven companies, spanning in size from early stage, venture-backed companies, to establish mid-cap, small-cap and privately held companies.

Having served fast growth, entrepreneurial companies in a variety of industries, including an emphases on technology companies, for more than 75 years, Grant Thornton understands the issues faced by Springboard companies. Grant Thornton offers the depth of resources of an international accounting and business advisory firm, while providing the technical expertise, partner-level attention and business advice companies need to grow and achieve their goals.

For additional information about Grant Thornton, please contact Melissa Koeppel at 414-277-1550 or Melissa.Koeppel@gt.com

The George Washington University

The George Washington University is a dynamic institution located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1821 and chartered by the United States Congress, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. Though the University is more than 180 years old, it continues to generate creative energy, breaking down the boundaries between disciplines and the divide between academia and the world at large. The George Washington University has a great deal to offer, including nine major schools, providing hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Many of these plug into and give entree to the extraordinary world of Washington - the political, policy, and research centers that move our country and the world.

Springboard Enterprises is located on the Mount Vernon Campus, which is also the home of the Elizabeth Somers Women's Leadership Programs. These specialized residential and academic programs for undergraduate women present issues to relative to women's leadership, its nature, its expression, and its exercise in various artistic, social, political, and technical contexts. Women's Leadership Program offerings include: Women in the Arts; Women in International Leadership; Women in Science and Technology; and Women in US Politics and Policy. The most recent addition to the program is Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership. Springboard Enterprises was instrumental in the development of this innovative, two-semester experience that offers students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to start a new business while cultivating entrepreneurial leadership skills.

The synergistic partnership between GWU and Springboard Enterprises was founded on a mutual commitment to support the growth of women's entrepreneurial enterprises. Using the shared resources of knowledge, networks, research and technology, both organizations serve the women's entrepreneurship communities of today while helping to build the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.

Venable LLP

As one of The American Lawyer's top 100 law firms, Venable LLP has lawyers practicing in all areas of corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and government affairs. Venable serves corporate, institutional, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the U.S. and around the world from its base of operations in and around Washington D.C. Founded more than a century ago, Venable has enjoyed a long history of steady growth, quality service and sound management. Chaired by former Attorney General of the United State, Benjamin R. Civiletti, Venable prides itself on being attuned to its clients' business objectives, sensitive to their culture and structured to deliver true value.

Venable is committed to building relationships that transcend the usual role of legal advisor. Their practice areas are built not only on legal experience, but also on knowledge and understanding of each client's industry. Their attorneys work as partners with clients, advising them on a number of levels. When clients face a challenge or opportunity, Venable immediately brings an experienced team from diverse specialties to coordinate advice. We seek not only to respond to their client's current legal issues, but also to identify potential problems early.

Venable's lawyers comprise a team of skilled, experienced professionals. Their clients rely on their great breadth of experience and sound legal judgment for assistance in achieving solid and practical business solutions. They represent businesses of all sizes - from emerging companies to large national and international companies in industries that include financial, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, pharmaceuticals, transportations, mass media, and information technology, as well as governed entities, nonprofits and individuals.

Venable offers experienced legal counsel in traditional and developing areas. To see a full list of Venable's services visit Practice Areas.

The goal of every Venable professional is to provide superior legal services, to conform to the highest ethical standards, and to contribute to the public good. Venable's lawyers participate in a variety of pro bono projects, from national impact cases to assisting the needy of our communities. Venable encourages everyone at the firm to become involved in the community. Both their lawyers and staff personally devote many hours to volunteering in a variety of activities.