Accelerator Program Focuses on Supporting Early-Stage Women-Led Staffing Firms
The American Staffing Association Foundation has announced the inaugural participants of its new Accelerator Program, designed to support women entrepreneurs and founders in the early stages of growing their staffing and recruiting businesses.
Established after a generous donation from Dorothy Taylor, 2021 ASA Leadership Hall of Fame inductee and former chief executive officer of World Wide Specialty Programs, the ASA Foundation Accelerator Program supports woman-owned staffing companies during the critical startup phase, providing the foundation and resources necessary to
- Accelerate business growth and market penetration
- Develop sustainable competitive advantages
- Build lasting professional relationships within the industry
- Navigate common startup challenges with expert and peer guidance
“When I started my career, it was the relationships with women entrepreneurs, like Eileen Lesberg, that helped me achieve success,” said Taylor. “The sense of community I’ve had with women in staffing has made a major difference in my career. I’m excited to work with the ASA Foundation to ‘pass it forward’ and establish the next generation of women leaders in staffing.”
The nine entrepreneurs and founders are taking part in a year-long program that includes attendance at the ASA events THRIVE Live and Staffing World®, the ASA annual convention and expo; exclusive monthly peer group sessions; and mentorship through the ASA Mentor Match program.
The 2025–26 Accelerator Program participants are
- Tracy Berglund, West End Workforce
- Kimi Brathwaite, StaffVengers
- Stephanie Burton, Select Savvy LLC
- Beth Erwin, BESTAFF
- Kristin Heideman, The Brinkman Group
- Betsy Johnson, HIMpros
- Michelle Jones, BPT Staffing LLC
- Kristin Nordling, Lakeside HR Group
- Carolyn Pitt, Productions.com
Beth Erwin, founder and chief executive officer of three-year-old staffing firm BESTAFF, was named the program’s overall winner and will receive a $15,000 grant to help grow her business. All nine were recognized at THRIVE Live and Staffing World in October.
Learn more about the new ASA Foundation Accelerator Program at americanstaffing.net.
Donations to the ASA Foundation support programs that advance the industry. Learn more and donate at americanstaffing.net/foundation.
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About the American Staffing Association (ASA) Foundation
The ASA Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Staffing Association with a mission to educate, connect, and amplify the staffing industry and the people, companies, and supporters that comprise its ecosystem.
- Educate—The ASA Foundation provides educational and research opportunities that expand knowledge and industry awareness.
- Connect—The ASA Foundation programs forge meaningful connections that foster collaboration, innovation, and community.
- Amplify—The ASA Foundation seeks to support and amplify professionals in the industry to achieve personal and professional success.
About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.