Turning Ambition Into AchievementHow the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky Helps Entrepreneurs Build the Future
- WBC of Kentucky
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Watch the interview with WBC Executive Director Devanny King:
A Resource for Entrepreneurs Across Kentucky
Entrepreneurship often begins with an idea.
But turning that idea into a sustainable business requires guidance, knowledge, and community support.
For more than a decade, the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky (WBC) has helped entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth take that journey from concept to company.
Through business coaching, training programs, and networking opportunities, WBC supports women at every stage of the entrepreneurial process.
Since launching, the organization has served thousands of entrepreneurs across all 120 counties in Kentucky.
Their work is centered around a simple but powerful mission: empowering women entrepreneurs through coaching, training, resources, and connections that support long-term success.
The results are measurable.
More than 4,000 entrepreneurs have received support, over 400 businesses have been started, and millions in capital has been raised by the entrepreneurs they serve.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind each business is a person with an idea, a challenge, and the determination to build something meaningful.
Bringing Entrepreneurs Together at The Women in Business Summit
One of the Women’s Business Center’s signature events is the Women in Business Summit, a statewide gathering designed to inspire and equip entrepreneurs.
This year’s Summit will take place March 17 at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington.
According to WBC Executive Director Devanny King, the Summit is designed to go beyond traditional business conferences.
Rather than focusing solely on strategy or technical skills, the event also emphasizes leadership, mindset, and community support.
“We’re really excited because this is our statewide initiative,” King explained during a recent interview. “This is the first time we’ve brought it back to Lexington since the pandemic.”
Previous events held in cities such as Louisville, London, Bowling Green, and Owensboro have sold out—demonstrating the strong demand for spaces where entrepreneurs can connect and learn from one another.
A Lineup of Leaders Sharing Their Experience
The Summit will feature a lineup of speakers who have built successful businesses and are now sharing their insights with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Keynote speaker Patrice Borders will headline the event, joined by local leaders and founders who have scaled businesses and created meaningful impact within their communities.
Entrepreneurs such as Katie Neal, Raquel Carter, and Toa Green will also share their experiences building businesses and navigating growth.
These speakers bring something particularly valuable to the stage: lived experience.
Each has faced challenges, taken risks, and learned lessons that can help other entrepreneurs navigate their own paths.
More Than a Business Conference
While the Summit includes discussions on entrepreneurship and business ownership, King describes it as something broader.
At its core, it is a leadership experience.
“There’s a lot of business ownership aspect to it,” she explained, “but really this is a leadership conference.”
The goal is to create an environment where participants can step away from the demands of their daily work and reconnect with their purpose.
For many entrepreneurs, the journey can feel isolating.
The Summit creates space for connection, encouragement, and fresh perspective.
“Tickets are only $35,” King noted, explaining that the organization intentionally keeps the cost low in order to remove barriers for entrepreneurs who may need support.
The goal is simple: make the event accessible so anyone with a dream or an idea can attend.
Support Beyond the Summit
While the Summit is a powerful gathering, it represents just one part of the Women’s Business Center’s broader ecosystem of support.
Entrepreneurs across Kentucky can access:
Strong Women Strong Coffee networking events that bring entrepreneurs together for connection and community.
One-on-one business coaching that is confidential and provided at no cost to entrepreneurs.
Training programs and workshops designed to help business owners build practical skills and scale their companies.
These programs exist to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of the journey—from the earliest idea to scaling a growing business.
As King describes it, the Women’s Business Center acts as a compass.
A place where entrepreneurs can ask questions, receive guidance, and move forward with clarity.
Continuing the Conversation After the Summit
For those who may not be able to attend the daytime event, the Summit will also be followed by a networking social hosted in partnership with Women Who Thrive.
The after-hours gathering will take place from 4–6 PM at Old North Bar, creating another opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect and expand their networks.
Events like these reflect the larger mission of the Women’s Business Center: building a statewide ecosystem where entrepreneurs support one another.
Join The Summit
If you are an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or leader looking for inspiration and connection, the Kentucky Women in Business Summit[link] offers a powerful opportunity to learn and grow.
Watch the interview above to hear directly from the Women’s Business Center about what makes this event special.
Then take the next step: Reserve your seat and join the community of entrepreneurs building the future of Kentucky.
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