2025 Women Presidents Organization: Honoring Female Entrepreneurs
In a remarkable celebration of female entrepreneurship, the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) has released its 18th annual list of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned and Led Companies. These exceptional businesses not only exhibit strong growth but also showcase significant contributions to the economy with a collective gross revenue exceeding $7 billion and employment for over 15,000 individuals in just 2024 alone.
Economic Growth and Post-Pandemic Resilience
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these honorees have displayed impressive year-over-year growth, particularly in sectors like travel, hospitality, health and wellness, and consumer goods, indicating a strong recovery post-pandemic. This growth serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of women entrepreneurs navigating through challenging times.
Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents Organization, emphasized the impact of these businesses, stating, "The 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies list honors the remarkable accomplishments of women who are not only driving impressive revenue growth but also redefining the future of business." This sentiment underscores the transformative influence women leaders have on modern business landscapes.
The Leading Companies of the Year
The list includes businesses led by visionary women who are making waves across various fields. Topping the list are:
- - Collette, under the leadership of Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
- - Unite Digital, spearheaded by Stacey Coopes, from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
- - Embark Beyond, led by Julie Danziger, based in New York City.
- - BuzzBallz (Southern Champion), founded and led by Merrilee Kick, located in Carrollton, Texas.
- - Cymbiotika, helmed by CEO Durana Elmi, based in San Diego, California.
To qualify for this prestigious recognition, companies must have women ownership or leadership and demonstrate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue for each of the preceding five years. The rigorous selection process included a thorough evaluation and ranking based on a proprietary sales growth formula, considering both percentage and absolute growth.
The Path to Success
Average business tenure for the companies featured in this year's list stands at approximately 19 years. The diverse sources of startup and growth capital highlight the innovative strategies employed by these companies:
- - 58% from personal savings, 26% from lines of credit, and 24% from family and friends rounds.
- - Notably, 18% was secured through bank loans and 4% through private investments, illustrating the multi-faceted funding strategies utilized.
These corporations are noted for their generous employee benefits, surpassing national averages. Remote work arrangements and parental leave are commonly offered, signifying a shift towards more worker-friendly policies in response to modern workforce needs.
Resilience, grit, and perseverance stand out as the defining traits of these companies and their leaders, mentioned frequently as foundational to their success. Significant milestones achieved include major contracts secured, national retailer launches, and endorsements from high-profile celebrities, all contributing to their ongoing growth.
Celebrating Excellence
The 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies will be honored during a special ceremony at the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum on May 8, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, at The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort. Following this prestigious event, there will be an insightful discussion featuring the honorees, who will share valuable insights to encourage WPO members in their entrepreneurial journeys.
This event not only highlights the achievements of women entrepreneurs but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among business leaders. For more information about the complete list of honorees, visit
Women Presidents Organization.
The Women Presidents Organization continues its vital work to empower women in business, emphasizing the importance of networking, collective insights, and strategic growth opportunities. Discover more about their mission and how you can become part of this transformative community at
women-presidents.com.