A workshop orchestrated by the U.S. Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade in Iraq drew nearly 40 Iraqi businesswomen to Camp Mittica last month to learn more about business development.

"We've been having these workshops with men, so we knew it was important to get women involved," said Maj. Shawn D. Sanborn, finance operations, 7th Sustainment Brigade. He added that the workshop was orchestrated with assistance from Muthanna and Dhi Qar provincial reconstruction teams.

Speakers included members of the brigade, the 217th Garrison Command and the Small Business Development Center in Nasiriyah, the capital of Dhi Qar province. Topics included micro grants, loans, creating a business plan and information about the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone.

Alison Kosnett, governance specialist, Provincial Reconstruction Team Muthanna, said the workshop "showed me how much interest [Iraqi businesswomen] have. It showed us that they're serious and energetic, and that there is entrepreneurial energy. There was definite mojo in there."

Nabeel Alsaffy, executive director of Nasriyah's Small Business Development Center, agreed. "The meeting went so well because everyone gave their opinion and participated," he said. "The women want another workshop."