Unite & Elevate: Inside NAWBO Indy’s Women In Unity Event Driving Growth for Indiana’s Women Entrepreneurs

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, women business owners from across Indiana will gather at The Wellington Event Center in Indianapolis for NAWBO Indy’s Women In Unity: Business Growth & Development event. Presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners – Indianapolis Chapter, this inaugural gathering is designed to do more than spark conversation; it’s about connection, collaboration, and collective progress for women leading in business and beyond.

“Unity is not just a theme; it’s a call to action,” says Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, NAWBO Indy Board Member and event visionary. “This event was created to ensure women entrepreneurs aren’t navigating growth in isolation. When we come together—women, allies, and organizations—we create real pathways to opportunity.”

For decades, women have driven innovation, job creation, and community development across Indiana. Yet, many still face barriers to accessing contracts, capital, and networks that fuel business expansion. Women In Unity was built to change that by convening those who have the resources and influence to make a tangible difference—leaders from organizations like the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority & Women Business Development, SCORE Indianapolis, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

“These are the people and institutions that can help women grow,” Dr. Banks explains. “But access doesn’t happen by accident. We have to create intentional spaces where women and those who support them can meet face-to-face, build relationships, and understand each other’s needs.”

At its core, Women In Unity is an intersection of purpose and progress. Through fireside conversations with leaders like Akilah Darden of The Darden Group, Brian Schutt from Indiana’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Brandon Roger from SCOREand Fahad Beg of the City of Indianapolis, attendees will gain insights into navigating business growth, scaling sustainably, and leveraging certification to strengthen competitive advantage.

But beyond practical advice, this event represents something deeper—a moment for women to see themselves reflected in Indiana’s business ecosystem. “We often talk about inclusion as an outcome,” Dr. Banks says. “But it begins with invitation. Women In Unity is an open invitation to every woman entrepreneur—no matter your industry, size, or stage—to be in the room where opportunities begin.”

The spirit of collaboration is what makes this event so vital. When women come together with policymakers, economic development leaders, and business mentors, something powerful happens: systems start to shift. “We’re not just creating one-off opportunities,” Dr. Banks continues. “We’re building a culture of partnership where women understand that their success is part of a much bigger story; one that strengthens our entire community.”

For organizations like Women4Change Indiana, events like Women In Unity mirror the heart of our mission: to empower women to lead change, both socially and economically. By supporting spaces that advance women entrepreneurs, Women4Change affirms its commitment to equitable access and opportunity across Indiana’s business landscape.

As the morning unfolds, attendees will share experiences, form partnerships, and leave inspired to take actionable steps toward growth. But the real impact will extend beyond the event. As Dr. Banks reminds us, “The magic doesn’t happen on stage; it happens in conversations—when a woman shares her idea with someone who can fund it, or when an organization realizes it can do more to open its doors.”

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an emerging founder, or an advocate for women’s advancement, being in the room matters. Unity isn’t passive; it’s participatory. And at Women In Unity, every handshake, every exchange, every story shared has the potential to turn connection into change.
To learn more or reserve your seat for the Women In Unity: Business Growth & Development event, visit nawboindy.org.