B.I.G. Inspires Big Dreams in Professional Women

No one would've guessed that in only five years, a meeting of 40 women in Tara Gilvar’s living room would've blossomed into a multi-state movement.

But that's exactly what's happened, say the founders of B.I.G. - an acronym for "Believe, Inspire, Grow." Gilvar and Becky Hull co-founded the group in 2009 to discuss how they could achieve professional fulfillment in their lives, without sacrificing their personal and family commitments.

What began as a local community gathering of women who met monthly in the Episcopal church in Bernardsville has blossomed into a fast growing national organization designed to help women achieve professional fulfillment in their lives by creating their own businesses out of their personal passions and becoming money earning entrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to be able to help women gain the support, encouragement and information they need to make their professional dreams a reality,” said Gilvar.  “There are so many women sitting on the sidelines because they feel stuck and don’t know how to move forward.  The positive support and amazing wisdom they gain from fellow women in their community gives them the courage and strength to overcome their fear and act.”

“It’s so fulfilling to watch the 'magic' that occurs in the room when women are made to feel validated and worthwhile by their peers for their ideas," Hull said. "It makes us realize that we are making a positive impact in their lives, and that’s a great feeling.”

B.I.G. has acquired nearly 1,900 members in six states since its first Bernardsville gathering and is on a trajectory to achieve even greater growth – including establishing groups in New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in 2014, the founders said. 

The organization offers a “visionary path” for women entrepreneurs, including those women who may not know what they want to do next in their lives, the founders added.   

B.I.G. offers more than 50 local community meetings each month across five states, including more than 15 in New Jersey, ongoing regional networking events, as well as an interactive and informative website.   In addition to the B.I.G. membership, the organization has also established advanced programs including B.I.G.+PLUS and The Pinnacle Club, for advanced entrepreneurs desiring more sophisticated business support.

All area residents are invited to participate in the B.I.G. anniversary celebration and finish their holiday shopping on Wednesday morning, December 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the great hall at St. John’s on the Mountain Church on Mt. Harmony Road in Bernardsville.   The hall is the site of B.I.G.’s regular monthly Bernardsville meetings and  the organization will host a free holiday boutique to showcase many of their members’ wonderful products and services.