Business Details
26 Years
experience
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Globally
Enterprising Women is a premier platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women entrepreneurs globally. Founded in 2000, we have spent over two decades spotlighting the achievements of women business leaders through our flagship Enterprising Women of the Year Awards, international conferences, and award-winning magazine. Our organization provides unparalleled recognition opportunities for women-owned enterprises across revenue tiers, from startups to billion-dollar corporations. Through strategic partnerships with top corporations and nonprofits, we amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs in media outlets worldwide. Our team combines decades of expertise in event management, publishing, and advocacy to create transformative networking opportunities.We maintain rigorous standards for award eligibility, ensuring nominees demonstrate sustained business success and commitment to attendance at our annual celebration. As a trusted authority in women's entrepreneurship, we offer comprehensive resources including digital and print publications, professional development content, and industry-specific insights. Our work has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership excellence. With a proven track record of elevating women's voices in business, we continue to shape the future of entrepreneurial ecosystems through education, advocacy, and global recognition.
Services
Enterprising Women of the Year Awards
Annual Conference
Digital Magazine Subscriptions
Print Advertising
Digital Advertising
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer international recognition through prestigious annual awards with six revenue-based categories
- Our awards generate media attention from local to international levels
- Winners receive profiles in our widely-read Enterprising Women magazine
- We provide networking opportunities with top women entrepreneurs at our annual conference
- Our event fosters partnerships and collaborations among industry leaders
Services
Enterprising Women of the Year Awards
Our prestigious annual awards recognize outstanding women entrepreneurs across six revenue categories. This program provides international media exposure, networking opportunities, and professional validation for women-owned businesses. Winners receive profiles in our magazine and recognition at our annual conference.
Annual Conference
Our annual conference brings together top women entrepreneurs for three days of networking, education, and celebration. Held at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, the event features business attire days and a semi-formal gala dinner. Attendees gain access to industry leaders and potential partners.
Digital Magazine Subscriptions
Our digital magazine provides year-round insights into women-led businesses and industry trends. Subscribers access current and archived issues through our website, featuring in-depth profiles of award winners and thought leadership content. The platform supports both casual readers and dedicated entrepreneurs.
Print Advertising
We offer print advertising opportunities in our award-winning magazine, reaching a targeted audience of women entrepreneurs. Advertisements appear in physical copies distributed at conferences and through direct mail campaigns. This option provides tangible brand exposure for supporting businesses.
Digital Advertising
Our digital advertising solutions help businesses reach women entrepreneurs through targeted online campaigns. Options include website banners, email marketing, and sponsored content. This platform provides measurable results and access to our extensive digital audience.
People
Monica Smiley
CEO
Monica Smiley leads Enterprising Women with over 20 years of experience in media and entrepreneurship. She has expanded the organization's global reach through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. Her leadership has grown the annual awards program to recognize 100 outstanding women entrepreneurs annually.
Sharon Hulce
CEO
Sharon Hulce, CEO of Employment Resource Group, Inc., was recognized as a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree. With extensive experience in human resources, she brings valuable leadership insights to our advisory board. Her expertise helps shape our programming for women entrepreneurs in staffing and employment sectors.
Wendy Coulter
Founder
Wendy Coulter founded the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2018. As a respected leader in women's entrepreneurship, she has inducted 50 women into the Hall of Fame over 22 years. Her work continues to inspire and support women business owners across North Carolina.
Dr. Faye E. Coleman
Founder
Dr. Faye E. Coleman, recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, brings decades of expertise to FEC Coaching Enterprises. Her work focuses on leadership development and business strategy for women entrepreneurs. She contributes regularly to our thought leadership content.
Marlene Morrison Nicholls
Advisory Board Member
Marlene Morrison Nicholls has over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs, she provides strategic guidance to our advisory board. Her no-nonsense approach and client-first philosophy enhance our programming and services.
Questions
What is the Enterprising Women of the Year Award?
This prestigious award recognizes top women entrepreneurs across six revenue categories, from $1 million to over $100 million annually.
When is the 2026 awards conference?
The 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference will be held March 8-10, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans.
How do I nominate someone for the award?
Nominations can be submitted through our website by midnight on December 2, 2025, using the online nomination form.
What are the award categories?
Categories include businesses with revenues up to $1 million, $1-5 million, $5-10 million, $10-25 million, $25-100 million, and over $100 million annually.
Do I need to attend the event to win?
Yes, winners must attend the conference to receive their award as recognition occurs during the Gala Awards Dinner.
What does winning provide?
Winners receive international media exposure, a profile in Enterprising Women magazine, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
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