On a sunny morning at Louisville’s Biscuit Lounge, over 300 entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth gathered, their Kentucky roots running deep with excitement and determination. The 2025 Louisville Women in Business Expo, presented by Truist in partnership with Community Ventures and the SBA, was a powerful celebration of learning, connection, and growth. Entrepreneurs arrived ready to strengthen their businesses, each carrying unique stories of aspiration and resilience.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman opened the day with her keynote address, “Diverse Perspectives on Leadership.” Coleman’s extensive background as an educator, coach, and advocate for Kentucky’s communities made her an ideal voice to inspire attendees. She emphasized collective leadership built upon empowerment, collaboration, and sustained community impact. Coleman’s message reflected the Expo’s core philosophy—that lasting success is achieved through collective growth.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller, Author and Activist
Raised in Mercer County, Coleman has consistently demonstrated her dedication to public service and education. From teaching high school civics to her role as Lieutenant Governor, her commitment to fostering educational opportunities aligns with Community Ventures’ mission of creating pathways to economic self-sufficiency. Through initiatives like Lead Kentucky, Coleman champions the development of leadership skills essential for thriving communities.
The Spotlight Stories session followed, featuring impactful presentations by entrepreneurs Jess Amburgey, Yolanda Reed, and Lauren Muir. Each shared deeply personal insights into overcoming challenges and building resilient businesses. Jess Amburgey spoke openly about common entrepreneurial obstacles and how perseverance shapes success. Lauren Muir highlighted the critical role of resilience in her entrepreneurial journey, and Yolanda Reed shared how aligning her passion with purpose led to transformative business growth.
In the Leadership Panel, Anne Shadle from Left Brain Solutions and Toa Green of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream offered actionable strategies for authentic business expansion. They discussed practical approaches to aligning personal values with strategic business goals, providing clear advice on navigating the complexities entrepreneurs face.
The afternoon continued with a fireside chat moderated by Amanda Dare of Woman-Owned Wallet, exploring thoughtful approaches to scaling businesses through strategic partnerships and authenticity. The conversation reinforced a central Expo theme:
Successful growth is deeply connected to genuine values and strong community ties.
Throughout the day, vibrant networking sessions enabled entrepreneurs to connect meaningfully with mentors, industry experts, and fellow business owners, enhancing Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Women’s Business Center[inline link wbckentucky.org] plays an instrumental role, providing resources, educational programs, and personalized support tailored to entrepreneurs at all business stages.
“Entrepreneurship is about turning what excites you in life into capital, so that you can do more of it and move forward with it.” — Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group
As the Expo concluded, it was clear Kentucky’s entrepreneurs are driving substantial change, influencing not just their own businesses but communities throughout the Commonwealth—from Appalachia to the banks of the Ohio River. Community Ventures, together with the SBA and event sponsors, celebrates their dedication and recognizes the profound contributions these entrepreneurs continue to make toward Kentucky’s thriving economic landscape.
To learn more about The Women’s Business Center, please visit: wbckentucky.org
