2025 Women's Business Summit: "Optimistic by Design"

Theme: Optimistic by Design – Leading with Vision. Building with Purpose.

Join us for two inspiring days at The Enterprise Conference and Event Center in Winston-Salem. This year’s summit is designed to energize and equip women entrepreneurs and business leaders at every stage of their journey.

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Thursday, September 11 – Pitch Night (5:30–8:00 PM)

Be part of an exciting evening where selected entrepreneurs pitch their businesses for a chance to win $6,000 in total cash prizes.

Two categories:

• Startups (businesses in early-stage or ideation)
• Established Businesses (actively operating)

Three winners will be selected in each category:

🥇 1st Place – $1,500

🥈 2nd Place – $1,000

🥉 3rd Place – $500

by Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Never pitched or don't already have a pitch deck? Detailed instructions for creating a pitch deck are provided in the application!

Note: Pitch participants and anyone planning to watch the pitch competition should select the "Pitch Night & Summit" ticket type at checkout.

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Friday, September 12 – Full Summit Experience (8:30 AM–2:30 PM)

Topics will include:

• Identifying capital sources and securing funding for your business
• Effective marketing techniques to attract and retain customers
• Using AI tools to improve business efficiency and impact
• Understanding the ins and outs of intellectual property (IP)
• Networking strategies to expand your business footprint

This year’s theme celebrates women who lead with clarity, build with intention, and shape their futures with purpose.

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with:

• Bankers
• Attorneys
• Accountants
• City and county officials
• Marketing professionals
• Fellow business owners from diverse industries
• and more!

Lunch is included, offering a chance to reflect, connect, and continue the conversation with fellow attendees.

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Whether you're an experienced business owner or just getting started, the 2025 Women’s Business Summit will leave you energized, empowered, and equipped to lead boldly and build with purpose.

Host or Publisher Winston Salem Women's Business Center