Womenpreneur Empowerment Summit
Building, Scaling, and Thriving in Business — Join us on November 18-19, 2026
The Womenpreneur Empowerment Summit, presented by the BCC Small Business Center, is your chance to gain tools, strategies, and confidence to succeed in business. Over two full days, enjoy inspiring talks, breakout sessions, and networking designed to help you start strong and scale up.
Thanks to the support we’ve received for this event, registration is only $60 and includes light breakfast and lunch on both days, swag bag, expert consults, and surprise gifts!
The summit will take place at the Virginia Williamson Event Center on Wednesday and the Douglas Terhune Center for Culinary Arts on Thursday. Both are welcoming, accessible venues on BCC’s main campus in Bolivia, ensuring all attendees can fully participate and connect from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM each day.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in business—reserve your spot today!
For questions, please contact April Scott, Director Small Business Center at (910) 755-7306 or scotta@brunswickcc.edu.
SUMMIT SCHEDULE
Day 1 – Build: Confidence, connections, and Strong Foundations
Location: Virginia Williamson Event Center at OWA
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast and Networking |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome to Brunswick Community College |
| 9:15 AM | Icebreaker |
| 9:45 AM | Opening Keynote: Jen Brown, Journey of Grace Coaching |
| 10:30 AM | The Business Checkup |
| 11:30 AM | Legal Protection for Women in Business, Attorney Karen Richards |
| 12:10 PM | BREAK |
| 12:20 PM | Lunch Speaker: Women Who Built It, Karen Wrenn, Owner of Brunswick Organizing Solutions! |
| 1:45 PM | Breakout Labs: Track A – Startup Track: “I have an idea…now what? Dr. Renea Simon Track B – Existing Business Track: “My business is running…how do I grow it?” Jacqueline Roth, SBTDC Track C – Growth Track: “I’m ready to scale, hire, and expand.” Beth Looney, Leath HR |
| 2:45 PM | Workshop Pitch Perfect: Telling Your Business Story, Dr. Renea Simon |
| 3:45 PM | Day 1 Challenge and Group Photo |
Day 2 – grow: money, marketing, and scaling
Location: Virginia Williamson Event Center at OWA
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast and Business Connection Challenge |
| 9:00 AM | Women & Wealth: Pay Yourself and Build a Business; Deb Pickett |
| 9:45 AM | Know Your Numbers; Amanda Chestnut |
| 10:30 AM | BREAK |
| 10:45 AM | Breakout Sessions: Track A: Bootstrapping for Startups; Dr. Renea Simon Track B: Getting Lender Ready for Existing Businesses |
| 12:00 PM | Lender Lunch & Learn: Ask the Money People Panel |
| 1:30 PM | The Growth Lab: Is Your Business Ready to Scale?; Keesha Star |
| 2:30 PM | Expert Connection Café |
| 3:15 PM | The 90-Day Business Challenge |
| 3:35 PM | What Will You Do Differently on Monday? |
Meet Your Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
jen brown – founder, journey of grace coaching
Jen Brown is the founder of Journey of Grace Coaching, where she helps owners, executives, and emerging leaders build leadership capacity in themselves and their teams to grow with intention.
After a 23-year career as a U.S. diplomat leading cross-cultural teams, Jen took her own leap into entrepreneurship and launched her coaching and consulting business. Her journey has included the uncertainty, pivots, relationship-building, and many lessons that come with creating something from the ground up.
An ICF-certified executive coach and Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer, Jen brings a practical, candid approach to leadership and business—and a belief that growth often begins with the courage to step out before you feel ready.
Deb Pickett, financial adviser for signature wealth
One of Deb’s favorite quotes is, “Purpose is an incredible alarm clock.” Purpose is what drives her to jump out of bed every morning with a smile and an eagerness to start her day. Throughout her life and career, her passion has been to assist people, especially women, in realizing their full potential and making a positive impact in their lives and our community.
She began her journey as a Registered Nurse, where she witnessed firsthand the power of compassion and support in transforming lives. She then progressed into executive-level sales and marketing roles within the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Today, as a Financial Advisor for Signature Wealth, she dedicates herself to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, empowering them to build a prosperous future.
Community service is a cornerstone of her life, and she is privileged to hold several leadership roles, including Past-President of the Leland Area Rotary Club and member of the Board of Directors – YWCA – Cape Fear Region. She also serves on Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center’s Foundation Board and Cancer Advisory Board, as well as the Leland Economic Development Committee. Through these initiatives, she strives to uplift and empower members of our community while fostering connections and collaboration for a brighter future for all.
Deb and her husband, Terry, live in Leland, where they share a love for golf and enjoy participating in all outdoor sports. Together, they are committed to contributing to our community and supporting causes that resonate with their values.
session speakers
amanda chestnut, money mastery, llc.
jacqueline roth, Small business technical development center
Karen “Kaitlyn” Richards, Deputy County Attorney, New Hanover County
Dr. C. Renae Simon, Owner, Step-by-Step Business solutions
Jamie howell, president & co-Owner, Saltwater Signworks
Beth Looney, Leath Hr
keesha star, Founder of K Starr coaching and the starr network
karen wrenn, owner of brunswick organizing solutions
other presenters & panelists
Isabella Brower, Business & Commercial Lending Manager
Jennifer Merritt, CP Branch Manager, United Community Bank
Heather Port, SBA, Economic Development Specialist, North Carolina District Office
Dr. DeShondra Smith, BCC Small Business Center Counselor
Count Me In!
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn, network, and have fun. Click on the button below to register today. For more information, contact April Scott at scotta@brunswickcc.edu.
Fifth Anniversary Event Sponsors
