Salt Lake City, UT — November 20, 2025 — Yesterday, leaders from Utah’s government, business, and nonprofit sectors gathered in Salt Lake City for the ceremonial signing of the Utah Proclamation for Women’s Entrepreneurial Empowerment, marking a historic statewide commitment to supporting women-owned businesses. The signing coincided with Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, a global initiative celebrating women innovators and economic leaders.
“The Utah Proclamation for Women’s Entrepreneurial Empowerment is historic,” said Ann Marie Wallace, State Director of the Women’s Business Center of Utah. “It brings statewide attention to women-owned businesses and provides support, resources, and opportunities to help them grow, gain confidence, and thrive in Utah’s economy.”
The Proclamation recognizes the critical role of women-owned businesses in Utah, which generate approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and employ over 89,000 Utahns. It also highlights the challenges women entrepreneurs may face, including access to capital, networks, and growth opportunities. Signatories of the Proclamation pledge to complete at least one of ten voluntary actions by November 19, 2026, such as mentoring women entrepreneurs, supporting women-owned businesses, promoting policy improvements, or showcasing women-led business achievements.
Ceremony Highlights
The event featured remarks from Ann Marie Wallace, State Director of the Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah), who emphasized the significance of the Proclamation and the shared responsibility to support a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem for all Utahns.
Dr. Susan Madsen, Founder and Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, presented research illustrating both the successes and ongoing opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Utah. “The signing of the Utah Proclamation for Women’s Entrepreneurial Empowerment marks a pivotal step toward building a stronger, more innovative economy in Utah,” said Susan Madsen. “I was thrilled to join leaders, organizations, and communities from across the state in this important event. We are grateful to A Bolder Way Forward and the Women’s Business Center of Utah for leading this proclamation and gathering. Together, we are boldly declaring that women entrepreneurs are essential to Utah’s future.”
Signatories & Call to Action
The Proclamation was was signed by Meaghan Miller, Executive Director of the Association for Corporate Growth – Utah; Beth Colosimo; Crystalee Beck, Owner of Comma Copywriters; Amanda Morton, VP of Relationship Development at Cyprus Credit Union; Taryn Nenow, Managing Director at eWomenNetwork – Salt Lake City Chapter; Karol Patterson, Small Business Loan Fund Coordinator at MAG Community & Economic Development; Mary Crafts, Owner of Mary Crafts Inc; Jen Ungvichian, Chief Experience Officer at Maven Create; Kelly Mickelsen, CEO of Red Mountain; Derek Miller, CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber; Paul Jolley, Director of the Utah Small Business Credit Initiative; Doug O’Keefe, Director of the Utah Microloan Fund; Dr. Seth Jenson, Director of the UVU Entrepreneurship Institute; Dax Jacobsen, Dean of the Westminster University Bill & Vieve Gore School of Business; Christine Wzorek, CEO of the White Label Advisors; Ann Marie Wallace, State Director of the Women’s Business Center of Utah; Dr. Pamela Williamson, Director of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West.
Individuals and organizations statewide are invited to sign digitally (https://wkf.ms/49KqW14), committing to at least one action and sharing their impact using #UtahWomenOwned.
The Proclamation is effective immediately and will remain active through November 19, 2026, establishing Utah as a leader in fostering women’s entrepreneurship.
About WBCUtah
The Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) helps entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow successful businesses through training, counseling, and access to resources and capital. WBCUtah strengthens Utah’s economy by targeting and supporting women in gaining the guidance and tools needed to grow thriving businesses. The Center also hosts the Utah Women-Owned Business Directory, a statewide resource connecting consumers, businesses, and organizations with women-owned companies across Utah, available at utahwomenowned.com. Learn more at wbcutah.org.
About UWLP and BWF
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) is a research and education organization promoting women’s leadership across Utah in business, government, and community life.
A Bolder Way Forward (BWF) is UWLP’s statewide initiative supporting women entrepreneurs. BWF connects women business owners to resources, mentorship, and networks, and promotes collective action to strengthen visibility and economic impact for women-led businesses across Utah.
