Alcon Kicks off SYSTANE® Campaign With Businesswoman Barbara Corcoran, Bringing Real Relief to Female Entrepreneurs
July 11 2019 - 7:05AM
Business Wire
- SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops and crowdfunding platform
iFundWomen launch grant and coaching program for Visionary
Women
- $40,000 in Real Relief grants available to help launch and
sustain entrepreneurial businesses since women are less likely to
receive start-up funding
- Corcoran is one of 30 million people in the U.S. – a
majority of whom are women – who have dry eye symptoms
Alcon, the global leader in eye care, is kicking off a new
program from SYSTANE® aimed at funding women entrepreneurs and
their business ideas. Launched in partnership with
iFundWomen, a crowdfunding platform designed for
female entrepreneurs, Real Relief for Visionary Women will give
applicants an opportunity to be considered for financial relief and
expert coaching for their business ventures. Barbara Corcoran,
businesswoman and TV personality, teamed up with SYSTANE® since she
knows firsthand how small things can make the difference in
launching and sustaining a successful business – whether it’s seed
funding, strong mentorship or not losing your focus due to dry eye
symptoms.
“I started my company with a loan for just $1,000 and overcame
many challenges while setting up my business, including the
distraction and discomfort caused by dry eye,” said Corcoran.
“SYSTANE® Complete gives me the relief I need to focus on growing
my company and performing at my best. I'm incredibly excited to
partner with SYSTANE®, the #1 doctor recommended brand of dry eye
drops, to share my story and help the next generation of female
entrepreneurs make their innovative ideas a reality with Real
Relief grants.”
Entrepreneurs can visit SYSTANE.com to apply for an
opportunity to share their entrepreneurship story and experiences
with dry eye. With a total of $40,000 of grants available, eight
entrepreneurs will be selected to receive a $5,000 Real Relief
grant and a one-year supply of SYSTANE® Complete,
Alcon’s most advanced dry eye solution. Winners will also receive
access to educational opportunities and coaching services through
iFundWomen. One grand prize winner will also receive the
opportunity to discuss her business and its challenges with Ms.
Corcoran. Grant winners will be announced on November 19, 2019 –
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – and may be showcased on
SYSTANE.com.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Barbara and iFundWomen to help
provide real relief for visionary women,” said Sergio Duplan,
Region President of Alcon North America. “We know day-to-day
challenges like struggling with dry eye – a condition that affects
many women – can be a barrier in the demanding life of
entrepreneurs. We want this program to encourage the next Barbara
Corcoran to pursue their dreams while staying focused on performing
at their best.”
Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges compared to industry
counterparts when starting a business. According to the 2018 State
of Women-Owned Businesses Report,1 72 percent of female owners say
lack of capital and cash flow is a top challenge; 48 percent of
female founders note lack of mentors as a factor holding them back;
and 31 percent cite the lack of support system as a hurdle to
business ownership.
“Women are starting businesses 2.5 times faster than the
national average, and providing access to capital, coaching and
connections to drive action in launching and growing businesses is
critical,” said Karen Cahn, founder and CEO of iFundWomen.
“iFundWomen has made it our mission to support female innovators
and their ideas, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with SYSTANE® in
providing relief to women with access to funding and startup
coaching.”
For more information on the Real Relief for Visionary Women
grant contest and SYSTANE® Complete, Alcon’s most advanced dry eye
solution, visit www.SYSTANE.com or follow SYSTANE® on
Facebook.
About Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the quantity and/or quality of tears fails
to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated. Dry eye
causes a scratchy sensation or the feeling that something is in the
eye. Other symptoms include stinging or burning, episodes of excess
tearing that follow periods of dryness, discharge, pain and redness
in the eye. People with dry eye may also feel as if their eyelids
are heavy and may experience blurred vision. The risk of developing
dry eye increases with advancing age.
About the Systane Family of
Products
Systane® lubricant eye drops have been clinically proven to
reduce the symptoms of dry eye, providing immediate, long-lasting
protection and comfort. The Systane brand is the best-selling dry
eye franchise in artificial tear solutions and is the #1
doctor-recommended brand. Systane Complete is indicated as a
first-line treatment option for people who suffer from evaporative
dry eye, aqueous tear-deficient dry eye or mixed dry eye. While
Systane Ultra is designed for dry eye with aqueous deficient
patients, Systane Balance lubricant eye drops are designed
specifically for patients with dry eye associated with Meibomian
gland dysfunction.
Disclaimer
This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to
subscribe for or purchase any securities of Alcon. This publication
may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the
Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks,
uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual
results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the
Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied
by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue
reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with
any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye
care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the
broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve
people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the
lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each
year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal
diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 20,000 associates are
enhancing the quality of life through innovative products,
partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance
access to quality eye care. Learn more at
www.alcon.com.
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____________
1 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, Commissioned by
American Express 2018 Women in Business Trends, Guidant
Financial
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190711005236/en/
Investor Relations Christina
Cheng + 41 589 112 110 (Geneva) + 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)
investor.relations@alcon.com
Media Relations Blake Overby
Alcon North America Communications +1 817 551 4328 (Direct) +1 682
321 2897 (Mobile) blake.overby-1@alcon.com
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