WE’RE BUILDING SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
About Us
Empowered Business Forum is more than a one-day event. It’s a space where purpose-led women come together to learn, grow, and feel seen. Here, community is at the heart of everything we do.
We created the space we needed most
Empowered Business Forum started with a simple idea: business should feel less lonely. As women navigating entrepreneurship and leadership, we often found ourselves craving meaningful connection and shared experience. We built EB as a response to that feeling—a space where growth and belonging could exist together. Today, it’s grown into a community of bold, supportive women from all walks of business.
We show up for:
real connection
honest conversations
shared learning
joyful growth
What we believe
Bold growth
GROW INTO SOMETHING NEW
LEADERSHIP THROUGH COMMUNITY
Shared power
COME AS YOU ARE
Safe space
PERMISSION TO PAUSE
Real rest
SPEAK WITHOUT SHRINKING
Loud voices
BUILD WHAT MATTERS
MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT
Lasting change
You deserve to feel supported, seen, and celebrated
At EB, we’re building something that goes beyond a typical business event. Our forum is built with intention, care, and a belief that your well-being is part of your success. We welcome you just as you are, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way.
C0-FOUNDER
Meet Jamie VanVliet
Hi, I’m Jamie—co-founder of EB and the founder & CEO of OpenHouse Marketing. Empowered Business was born out of the kind of space I always wanted to be part of. One where women could grow, feel seen, and show up exactly as they are.
I’m a huge fan of voice notes, pretty notebooks, and cheering women on. I believe business can be soft and strong at the same time. I’m so glad you're here and can’t wait to meet you at the forum.
C0-FOUNDER
Meet Kristin Handsaeme
Hey, I’m Kristin—co-founder of EB and president of FC Funding. I’ve been in the mortgage industry for years, but building something like this feels extra special. EB is a place where we celebrate your wins, challenge the hustle mindset, and make space for real connection.
I’m passionate about supporting women in business, and I’ll always remind you that rest is part of the process. I love good coffee, cozy sweaters, and conversations that go deep. Can’t wait to see you there.
OUR PROMISE
We created Empowered Business to feel different
We’re not here to add to your to-do list—we’re here to help you feel encouraged, prepared, and part of something real. EB is for women who want to grow and connect without needing to prove anything first. You don’t have to be further along, louder, or more polished to belong here. You already do.
What sets us apart
Intentional space – everything we do has purpose
Warm community – women who lift each other up
Thoughtful content – real talk, not surface-level stuff
Our story & timeline
Jamie and Kristin both work in the business of people. As strong women in their fields, they began to notice a common thread—many women in business were craving more meaningful connection. A space to feel heard, supported, and guided. They realized they were also missing that kind of community themselves.
2023
2025
Business can be lonely, and navigating it as a woman comes with its own set of challenges. Instead of waiting for something to change, they decided to create it. Together, they built a space where women could come as they are, grow, and feel seen. That space became Empowered Business Forum. And it continues to grow every year.
Bigger, brighter, and full of momentum
We threw our second annual EB and it was bigger and better than the first. We welcomed more women, added new experiences, and deepened the connections. This was the year we introduced our shoppable market, featuring women-owned businesses from across the region. The community showed up and it felt like the beginning of something lasting. EB was becoming a space people looked forward to.
A new chapter, same strong foundation
Here we are now, getting ready for our fourth annual event. We’re already counting down the days and can’t wait to bring everything to life. We’re excited to say hello to familiar faces and welcome new ones with open arms. Each year, the community grows and the intention stays the same. EB 2025 is shaping up to be our most meaningful one yet.
2022
The year it all began
EB was born! We had our first Empowered Business Forum in 2022 and it was a success. The energy in the room was unlike anything we’d experienced. We heard such great feedback from attendees and knew we were on to something. It was clear that the demand was there and something meaningful had been formed.
2024
An unforgettable celebration of growth
We held our third annual EB event and were overwhelmed by the amount of interest and support. From the incredible speaker lineup to our growing roster of vendors, every part of the day felt full of purpose. The buzz leading up to the event was exciting and the energy in the room was unforgettable. So many women said it was exactly what they needed. That kind of feedback is why we do this.
READY TO JOIN US?