The bank recently committed a minimum of $1 billion to support women business owners through Key4Women. The program offers networking events, sponsors research studies and increases the availability of resources to women. The Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Tuesday's breakfast.

"Women represent a powerful force," said Suzanne Boyko, vice president of business banking at KeyBank and Key4Women coordinator. "If we help women, it will benefit us and the economy."

About 40 women business owners attended the event to hear presentations on marketing topics including networking, advertising, logo design and chamber membership.

Eisenberg said a Web site should be done right.

"It's an important presentation of your company," he said.

Patricia Delfico, of Delfico Advertising in Fishkill, told the group to seek common ground when networking.

"Start with small talk like the weather or family," she said. "That way you won't feel speechless."

Eve Ashworth advised companies to develop timeless logos to be used for years to come.

"It's a powerful image that people rarely forget," said the president of Ashworth Design in Salt Point.

Momentum Advertising and Design's Renee Bulla presented a media analysis example to inform the entrepreneurs about the best types of advertising.

Descriptive products can be well-represented on radio, but for visual products, cable TV may be best, she advised.

Tracy Baisden attended because she enjoys women-oriented events.

"Women tend to connect more. They join in more partnerships, so I always get more out of these types of events," said the owner of Inspired Interiors in Woodstock.

For Shannon Leddy, an interior designer in Hopewell Junction, the event gave her inspiration for the future.

"It gave me hope that there will be a lot of opportunity."