Vermont Hosted Women's Economic Opportunity Conference

The annual event in Randolph gathered state leaders to support the growth of women-owned businesses across Vermont.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Women’s Issues

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring an abstract stylized sapling with geometric leaves, symbolizing entrepreneurial growth in a professional context. — State leaders and entrepreneurs gathered in Randolph for the annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference to foster business growth and professional networking across Vermont. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Senator Peter Welch and Margaret Cheney led the 2026 Women's Economic Opportunity Conference at Vermont State University. The event brought together entrepreneurs to develop business skills and expand economic networks.

Why it matters

The conference aims to provide Vermont business owners with the tools to network and scale their operations. It highlights the critical role female entrepreneurs play in the state's broader fiscal health.

Women-owned businesses in Vermont total nearly 25,000 firms, representing 43% of the state's business landscape. These enterprises collectively employ over 40,000 residents and contribute nearly $2.5 billion in annual revenue.

The players

Peter Welch

He is a United States Senator representing Vermont who co-hosted the event to support local economic growth.

Margaret Cheney

She served as a host for the conference and facilitated discussions on professional development for business owners.

Marguerite Dibble

She is an entrepreneur who provided remarks and participated in an interview highlighting business leadership.

Patrick Leahy

He is a former United States Senator who co-founded the conference with his wife, Marcelle Leahy.

Vermont Women's Fund

This organization partnered to hold the event, focusing on advancing economic security for women in the state.

The details

Attendees participated in interactive workshops focused on business skills and navigating AI policies. The program also featured an interview of entrepreneur Marguerite Dibble conducted by Margaret Cheney, reflecting the conference's commitment to mentorship and professional development.

The conference took place in Randolph on September 19-20, 2026.

Roadmap

The conference represents a strategic effort to formalize support systems for women entrepreneurs within the state economy. By integrating AI policy training and networking, the event positions women-owned firms to better adapt to modern technical and operational shifts in the marketplace.

Business owners attending the workshops gained direct exposure to new AI policies and networking strategies that can be implemented immediately in their operations. These professional development tools are designed to help local women expand their workforce and increase total revenue.

The takeaway

The conference underscores the growing influence of women-owned firms as a pillar of the Vermont economy. Entrepreneurs can leverage the event's professional development resources to build more resilient and efficient business models.