HATTIESBURG — Women entrepreneurs can build business skills and connect with other business owners Aug. 13-14 during the fourth annual Pine Belt Women Business Owner Summit.
The two-day summit, themed “Room to Breathe,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at the PRCC Woodall Center, 906 Sullivan Drive in Hattiesburg. An evening meet-and-greet from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday will provide an additional opportunity for attendees to network.
Organizers said this year’s theme encourages women entrepreneurs to create systems and strategies that support business growth while making room for what matters most in their personal and professional lives.
The summit is open to new and experienced business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and women involved in family businesses.
Jennifer Clark, the event organizer, said she created the summit four years ago after realizing women entrepreneurs could benefit from a more immersive networking experience.
“I thought it would be a good idea to get more women business owners together in a more intense, full two-day format where you could really dive deep into topics and also connect women together,” Clark said.
Sessions will cover marketing, finance, contracts, sales tax, customer growth, self-care and the use of AI in business.
“We try to make sure everything has some sort of practical takeaway,” Clark said. “It’s everything from AI to self-care — because if you’re not OK, your business probably won’t be either.”
Clark said stronger women-owned businesses also strengthen the community.
“These women-owned businesses have really big hearts, and sometimes the heart is bigger than the bottom line,” Clark said. “It’s important to pour into these businesses so they can keep pouring into the local community.”
Registration includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, breakfast and lunch from local women-owned businesses, and the Thursday evening meet-and-greet.
Early registration is $180 for a two-day ticket, $100 for a one-day ticket and $50 for the meet-and-greet-only ticket. For more information or to register, visit the Emerge Events website.
