On October 29, the Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, displaying a year of record impact on the lives of Utah’s women entrepreneurs. The report outlines milestones achieved, details the depth and scope of impact and highlights clients who have benefited from WBCUtah’s efforts to support women business owners.
“It’s no secret that Utah has one of the best business communities in the nation. Talented and driven women here inspire innovation in every industry and provide product services that improve the lives of individuals businesses here and globally,” said WBCUtah State Director Ann Marie Wallace. “WBCUtah’s impact this year is so much more than just the numbers on this annual report. Each number represents a dream fulfilled, families supported, jobs created and communities strengthened.”
Celebrating Impact
WBCUtah’s 2023-2024 Annual Report highlights several key milestones that allowed this to become their most impactful year yet in 27 years of operation, including:
- Reception of a one-time state legislative funding, which allowed for an expanded WBCUtah team. That team coordinated a special outreach project that resulted in a substantial increase in capacity, women served and impact.
- Launch of a new WBCUtah Online Academy, which featured 14 self-paced courses for business owners.
- Implementation of new digital platforms, improving both efficiency and client experience.
- Creation of 13 new Women’s Business Centers, in partnership with rural chambers of commerce statewide.
WBCUtah, which has been championing success for Utah’s women business owners for 27 years, experienced a record level of impact through its programs and resources this year. Throughout the state, WBCUtah supported over 292 new business starts, had clients in 27 of Utah’s 29 counties and served 1,534 business owners. Over 1,300 jobs were created, with over $160 million in revenue across clients.
Recognizing Changemakers
In the report, WBCUtah also spotlights four clients and recognizes recipients of their 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Entrepreneur of the Year awards, which honors clients who have demonstrated exceptional resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and engagement with WBCUtah’s programs:
- Debbie Broderick, Utah Pagan Market: With support from WBCUtah, Utah Pagan Market refined its financial strategies and business plan, laying a strong foundation for future growth.
- Faith Dickey, Elevate Outdoors: Faith relied on what she learned at free business classes offered by WBCUtah to help her start the first highline guiding company in the nation.
- Shay Densley, Hopes Haven: Through guidance, advising and program steps from WBCUtah’s Minding My Own Business program, Shay learned how to market and manage her finances. Not only did it help her start her business, but also gave her the confidence she needed to win the top award at the 2024 Business Speed Pitch Competition in Vernal.
- Lizz Davis, Lizz Davis Music: With WBCUtah’s support, Lizz has streamlined her systems, improved client communication, enhanced class offerings and found greater balance – achieving better results with less stress.
- 2023-2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards:
- Northern Office: Becca Hoffman, BH Brand Co.: WBCUtah provided Becca with a community of like-minded individuals and also gave her the resources and network necessary to elevate her business.
- Southern Office: Gregan Gibson, Greetings by Gregan: Through WBCUtah’s advising and programs, she was able to create a business plan and access the resources to expand her Etsy hobby shop to a standalone website.
- 2024-2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards:
- Southern Office: Seana Johnson, CraftConUSA: Seana expanded her business statewide, thanks to the support of WBCUtah. She hopes to continue the expansion of CraftConUSA nationwide.
- Northern Office: Malavika Deo, Deolicious & Spice Symphony: With the support of WBCUtah advising sessions and training, Malavika made significant progress in her business by opening an online store for her specialty spice blends and expanding her clientele through local partnerships.
“When it comes to innovation and opportunity, no other state compares to what Utah has to offer. Even greater levels of abundance and success are available to us in the future, if we can rally our business community and seize them,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “The businesses that have come to fruition and found success through WBCUtah’s resources this last year are driving Utah forward. By empowering women entrepreneurs statewide, WBCUtah has been, and will continue to be, a catalyst for progress and prosperity throughout our state.”
To view the annual report, click here.
ABOUT WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER OF UTAH (WBCUTAH)
The Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a statewide mission to help Utah women build confidence, create opportunities, and experience ownership success through individual business advising, group and self-paced entrepreneurial training and hosting a women-owned business directory at UtahWomenOwned.com. WBCUtah is a public private partnership, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement, between the Salt Lake Chamber and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
