Journey of  SMEs and Startups

Mamtaa Bagdai is the Founder of LabQuenz Science, a Jaipur-based skincare innovation and cosmetic manufacturing company focused on customized formulations, small-batch production, beauty education, and women-led entrepreneurship. Since launching in 2019, LabQuenz Science has evolved from a formulation education initiative into a growing science-backed skincare and wellness brand rooted in transparency, ethical beauty, and accessible innovation.

Lori Jones is the Founder and CEO of Black•ology Coffee Company, a Raleigh-based specialty coffee company known for its bold low-acid coffees, chef-driven flavor profiles, coffee education experiences, and community-centered mission. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has evolved into a culturally rooted brand focused on entrepreneurship, empowerment, and meaningful human connection.

Rachel Svoboda is the Founder and CEO of Sunday Brunch Agency, a fully remote, female- owned marketing agency based in Orange County, California. Since launching in 2016, the company has grown into a nationally recognized strategic marketing partner supporting more than 500 independently owned brands, businesses, and organizations through branding, public relations, digital marketing, content creation, AI optimization, and business strategy.

Dr. Mariam Shaikh is the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants FZ LLC, a Dubai- based global education consultancy specializing in student recruitment, university partnerships, international campus development, and higher education strategy. With more than 35 years of experience across the education sector, Dr. Mariam has become one of the UAE’s most respected education leaders and advocates for student empowerment and global academic collaboration.

Purva VG is the Co-Founder of D20 Elements Group, a Mumbai-based architecture and interior design studio known for combining global design precision with Indian craftsmanship to create deeply personalized, story-driven spaces. Founded in 2023, D20 Elements has quickly emerged as a multidisciplinary design firm specializing in luxury interiors, corporate spaces, retail environments, hospitality projects, and turnkey execution.

Kate Visconti is the Founder and CEO of Five to Flow, Inc., a Columbus-based global consulting and coaching company helping organizations transform burnout, disengagement, and operational friction into sustainable performance through neuroscience-backed diagnostics, AI-powered coaching, and human-centered systems design. Founded in 2020, Five to Flow is pioneering a new category of organizational wellness rooted in the belief that burnout is not a personal failure — it is a s

K. P. G. Uma Unni is the Founder of Veveena, a Bengaluru-based corporate gifting and premium packaging company known for creating customized, design-led gifting experiences for some of India’s most respected brands. Founded in 2006, Veveena has evolved into a trusted national andinternational gifting partner serving organizations across corporate, retail, religious, and event sectors through premium merchandise, luxury packaging, and large-scale gifting solutions.

Emma Aghayants is the Co-Founder of EAK STAR Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based home furnishing and textile company focused on making luxury home décor and premium-quality linen products accessible and affordable for middle-class families. Founded in 2023, the brand is rapidly building a reputation for stylish designs, affordable pricing, quality products, and fast delivery services across India.

Jani Jermans is the Founder of SJ Mobilita LLC, a global workforce solutions and international business support company specializing in international hiring, labor and immigration compliance, workforce mobility, market entry strategy, and cross-border business facilitation across 190+ countries. Founded in 2018, SJ Mobilita has emerged as a trusted partner for corporates, SMEs, startups, and international stakeholders navigating global expansion and workforce transformation.

Laura Meredith is the Co-Founder of Ryedaura Ltd, an award-winning family-run bookkeeping company based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Founded in 2021, Ryedaura specializes in proactive bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, budgeting, financial systems support, and business training designed to help small and growing businesses gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances.

Laura Hastie is the Director of Resolute BioCare Limited T/A Pocket Rockets East Anglia, a specialist biohazard cleaning and trauma support company serving Cambridgeshire and Suffolk in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2025 alongside co-director Tracey Taylor, the organisation provides compassionate, trauma-informed services including crime scene cleaning, unattended death cleaning, hoarding clearances, mould remediation, needle sweeps, and emergency welfare cleans.

Ridhi Arora is the driving force behind Defox Supplies Pvt Ltd and its consultancy vertical Allied Arcon, creating an integrated ecosystem that combines architecture, project management, procurement, construction, and execution under one cohesive structure.

Mary Maatouk is the Founder of Maatouk Property Advocates, an independent property advocacy firm based in Melbourne that helps buyers and sellers navigate real estate decisions with transparency, strategy, and confidence.

Emily Gall is the Founder of North of Eight Design & Marketing, a Wisconsin-based full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through strategic branding, website design, SEO, content creation, and digital marketing solutions rooted in authenticity and relationships.

Neha Chawla is the Founder and Managing Partner of Savitur Global Advisians LLP, a Ludhiana-based consulting firm helping businesses strengthen governance, improve financial discipline, and streamline global accounting and compliance operations.

Amruta Desai is a Director at Kishor Pumps Pvt. Ltd., a Pune-based engineering and manufacturing company known for delivering customised pumping solutions for critical industrial applications while driving sustainable and resource-efficient innovation.

Annalisa Xioutas is the President and CEO of FFI Contracting Services, a Florida-based full- service design-build construction company known for its client-centric approach, technology- driven operations, and award-winning leadership in residential and commercial construction.

Sonia Rosatelli is the Co-Founder of Body In Balance Physiotherapy, a Bradford-based wellness and rehabilitation center that has transformed patient care through an integrated biopsychosocial approach focused on healing the complete human, not just isolated injuries.

Victoria Yarnold is the Founder and Director of Evolving Pathways, a South Australia-based multidisciplinary health and social care organisation delivering integrated, person-centred support for individuals living with disability, neurological conditions, complex health needs, and palliative care requirements.

Alexis Hughes is the Founder of Without Fear Strategic Life Coaching, a Chattanooga-based practice that integrates life coaching, grief education, leadership development, and end-of-life support into a powerful framework centered on meaning, courage, and intentional living.

Sandra Rathe is the Founder of The Sandra Rathe Team, a premier South Florida real estate team known for luxury residential sales, strategic market expertise, and white-glove client service. Since launching in 2009, Sandra and her team have helped more than 2,000 families buy, sell, and invest in real estate while becoming one of the top-performing real estate teams in Florida.

Jenny Woldt is the Founder & CEO of Splash Box Marketing LLC, a woman-owned marketing and accessibility company helping organizations create compliant, inclusive digital experiences for millions of users.

Ellen Neufeld is the Founder of Aviva Med Spa, a holistic aesthetic and wellness center based in Centennial, USA. Built on compassion, personalization, and trust, her venture goes beyond beauty—helping people rediscover confidence and self-worth.

Cassandra Fultz is the Founder & Managing Director of Doherty Fultz Immigration Inc, a Toronto-based immigration consultancy known for handling complex cases with strategy, empathy, and precision.

Penelope Trotman is the Founder of Vu Ja De Accountancy Limited, a modern, values-led accountancy firm based in the United Kingdom. Built on clarity, care, and trust, her firm redefines how financial services should feel—human, supportive, and empowering.

Tatiana Melnichuk is the Founder & CEO of Lucky Hunter — a global IT recruitment firm helping companies hire elite engineering and AI talent across multiple countries.

Yamilet Strauss is the President & CEO of Merchant Processing Solutions Inc, a Florida-based financial services company helping businesses simplify payments through transparency, education, and relationship-driven solutions.

Natasha Perez is the Founder of Sunrise Legal P.A., a boutique law firm dedicated to estate planning, probate, and guardianship services—helping families navigate life’s most critical legal transitions with clarity and care.

Chitra Mete is the Managing Partner of ARICA Tech Security LLP, a Pune-based cybersecurity and digital forensics firm protecting organizations against evolving cyber threats while bridging technology, law, and resilience.

Erika Kulovitz is the Founder & CEO of Akire Events Agency, a Chicago-based experiential event agency. With over 20 years of industry experience, she has built a company that goes beyond event execution—designing moments that create connection, emotion, and lasting impact.

Pallavi Rakhecha is the Founder of Visual Dough, a Mumbai-based martech company redefining how brands engage with audiences through immersive technology. By blending AI, XR, storytelling, and behavioral design, she is building scalable brand ecosystems where technology feels intuitive, not overwhelming.

Sheifali Aggarwal is the Founder of AGA:SHE - A Design Storistry, a Gurugram-based architecture and interior design studio focused on creating homes that are not just built—but deeply experienced.

Shivani Modi is the Founder of AuraviaLiving, an Ahmedabad-based architecture and interior design brand focused on creating sustainable, functional, and emotionally meaningful spaces. Built on a legacy of trust and modern innovation, her work blends design excellence with responsible living.

Shristi Jaiswal is the Founder of S.J Law Office, a Bengaluru-based litigation and advisory firm specializing in civil, commercial, and corporate legal matters. Built on efficiency, ethics, and strategic thinking, her firm is redefining how modern legal services are delivered.

Chaitra Narayan is the Founder of LV Consulting Services, a Bengaluru-based consulting firm specializing in market research and strategy across chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and allied industries. With over two decades of experience, she is helping businesses navigate complex global markets with clarity, precision, and data-driven insight.

Deepthi Ramachandran is the driving force behind Sahyadri Bio Labs Pvt Ltd and its science- infused skincare brand The D Wave. Based in Mumbai, she is building a new category of skincare—one that focuses not on perfection, but on long-term skin health powered by biotechnology and plant stem cell innovation.

Rachel Thomas is the Founder & Principal of Grace Insurance, based in Perth, Western Australia. After a 25-year career in the insurance industry, she built a people-first broking business rooted in clarity, compassion, and strong client advocacy—challenging traditional norms in a male-dominated sector.

Shweta Deshmukh is the Founder of Dezinebox and Principal Architect at Shweta Deshmukh & Associates, a Navi Mumbai-based practice redefining architecture through technology and sustainability. With over two decades of experience, she is transforming how spaces are imagined, experienced, and executed—long before they are built.

Brenda Rizzo is the Founder of Rizzo Legal Services and Immigration, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. As a licensed paralegal and immigration consultant, she is building a practice rooted in integrity, accessibility, and community empowerment—particularly serving the Hispanic population with bilingual legal support.

Jodi Bunting is the Founder of Gold Star Recruitment Services, a Melbourne-based recruitment firm helping SMEs build high-performing teams by aligning not just skills—but culture and values. Since 2023, she has been redefining hiring by focusing on long-term fit rather than short-term placements.

Ariel Cates is the Founder of Be Bliss Massage and Healing, based in Colorado Springs, USA. With a decade of healthcare experience and a deeply personal journey of resilience, she is building a wellness practice that goes beyond physical relief—helping people reconnect with their bodies, calm their nervous systems, and rediscover a sense of wholeness.

Divya Palat is the Founder of Balancing Act, a Mumbai-based agency operating at the intersection of celebrity, content, and commerce. With roots in theatre and a sharp strategic lens, she has spent over two decades helping brands move beyond advertising—into culture.

Suhasini Suresh is the Founder of Zorbit Magically Unmess LLP, a Bengaluru-based hygiene startup transforming how India cleans. Built on the idea of simplicity, safety, and sustainability, her brand offers plant-based, biodegradable, and waterless cleaning solutions designed for real, everyday messes.

Ma Katrina Golden is the Founder & Managing Director of A Plus Virtual Pro, a U.S.-based digital services company delivering recruitment, digital marketing, and business operations support globally. But beyond business, she has built a powerful ecosystem where growth directly fuels social impact—creating employment, dignity, and long-term empowerment for vulnerable communities.

Komal Auti is the Founder of DK Mission Force Pvt Ltd, a Pune-based organization focused on financial awareness, wealth coaching, and mindset transformation. Through her unique blend of behavioral science and financial strategy, she has empowered thousands to move from confusion and anxiety to clarity, confidence, and structured wealth creation.

Megan Tull is the Founder of Buono Cello, a Texas-based experiential business creating immersive Italian-themed events through limoncello making and pasta-making experiences. A serial entrepreneur and best-selling author, she transforms passion into unforgettable moments—helping people connect, create, and celebrate life.

Lyaman Khashmati is the Founder of LFK Law Practice, P.C., a New York-based personal injury law firm dedicated to helping individuals secure justice and compensation after life- altering accidents. With over 20 years of legal experience, she combines deep litigation expertise with a rare level of empathy—treating every client like family.

Minna Salmesvuo is the Founder and Director of Social Media Tribe, an Australia-based digital marketing agency helping businesses build authentic, long-term connections through strategic social media. With over 15 years of experience, she transforms online presence into real relationships that drive sustainable growth.

Patrycja Marocola is the Founder of Marocola Elite Solutions Inc., a U.S.-based bookkeeping and office management firm helping businesses bring order to financial chaos. With nearly two decades of experience, she and her all-women team support over 80 clients by creating systems that drive clarity, compliance, and confident growth.

Danijella Dragas is the CEO of The Lending Corporation, a U.S.-based financial services firm specializing in complex, non-traditional lending solutions. With over four decades of experience in investment banking and mortgage finance, she is known for structuring deals others consider impossible—turning financial obstacles into strategic opportunities.