Wake Forest continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting women through intentional spaces for connection, growth, and leadership. This was especially evident throughout March, as the community came together to celebrate Women’s History Month. Our local momentum reflects a broader national trend. According to Forbes, women started nearly half of all new businesses in the United States in 2024, highlighting the growing influence of female entrepreneurs and the important role they play in today’s small business landscape, both nationally and here in Wake Forest.
Kicking off this momentum, the Wake Forest Human Relations Council hosted the 2026 Minority and Women-Owned Business Expo on February 28 at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. With more than 35 local businesses participating, the event provided a platform for visibility and recognition, allowing women and minority business owners to showcase their work and connect with the community.
Free and open to the public, the Expo reinforced the importance of access and inclusion, ensuring these businesses are not only supported but also seen and experienced by the broader community.
Participating businesses reflected the breadth of entrepreneurship in Wake Forest, representing industries from food and specialty treats, health and wellness, beauty, childcare and education to professional and creative services, nonprofits, senior care, and artisan retail.
Building on that energy, the 6th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Alliance at the Historic Wakefield Barn, brought women together to grow, connect, and invest in both their businesses and personal leadership. This year’s theme, “Read the Room,” offered a powerful reminder that leadership is not always about speaking first or moving fastest, but about listening, observing, and understanding before acting. It is a skill that extends far beyond the event, influencing how women lead in business, navigate challenges, and build stronger relationships.
Attendees heard from keynote speaker Denise Ryan, whose presentation, How to Communicate with Everyone Who Isn’t You, offered practical and insightful perspectives on communication styles. Her message provided a deeper understanding of how to connect, collaborate, and lead effectively across different personalities and environments.
The event also featured its second annual vendor fair, offering attendees opportunities to meet face-to-face with local businesses and discover new services. These interactions reinforced a broader truth: when women are given space to learn from one another, the impact extends well beyond the event and into the broader business community.
Suzanne Bonham, founder of The Wineologist, is a strong example of how local female entrepreneurs contribute to Wake Forest’s growth by creating businesses that serve the community while also supporting the downtown economy. As a DipWSET-certified wine professional and educator, Suzanne identified a gap in the industry, where traditional wine education often centers around specific brands or rigid rules, leaving many people feeling intimidated or disconnected.
She shares, “At the end of the day, wine is about connection — to people, to place, and to the moment. It should feel natural, not like a test. I’m creating a local space where people can feel comfortable, explore what they enjoy, savor the moment, and share that experience in a meaningful way.”
Hosted at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest, Suzanne’s classes are thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment. Through her signature approach, Sip, Study, and Savor, participants are encouraged to slow down, explore, and trust their own palate. Attendees learn to understand their preferences, navigate wine lists with confidence, and engage with wine in a way that feels personal and enjoyable.
With events held in the evening, participants often extend their experience by visiting nearby downtown restaurants, bars, and shops, using their new knowledge to select and enjoy wine while also supporting other local businesses.
To learn more about The Wineologist and upcoming classes, visit www.thewineologist.com.
Small businesses like The Wineologist do more than provide a service. They create places where people gather, connect, and build community, while also contributing to the broader business ecosystem that continues to shape Wake Forest’s future.
As Wake Forest continues to grow, supporting women-owned businesses remains essential to building a strong, connected community and driving momentum forward. “As we continue to support and elevate women-owned businesses, we are investing in the long-term success of Wake Forest,” said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP). “These entrepreneurs play a critical role in strengthening our local economy, supporting families and creating the vibrant, connected community we’re so fortunate to be a part of.”
