Meet Our Inaugural Cohort

When we set out to launch the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship, we knew we were looking for something special. We found it in our 2024-25 cohort – ten remarkable women business owners who represent the diverse strength of Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Ten Amazing Women

These leaders guide companies that span manufacturing, retail, hospitality, travel, professional services, and specialty industries. From machining and promotional products to music retail and pet services, from furniture restoration to specialized travel planning, each business brings a unique contribution to Michigan’s economy.

What sets this inaugural group apart is the diversity of their expertise combined with their shared commitment to growth and community impact. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, these women demonstrated not only strong business fundamentals but also a genuine desire to grow alongside their peers.

Their businesses represent various regions across Michigan, contributing to both our state’s economic vitality and its unique character. Whether it’s preserving musical heritage through Elderly Instruments, innovating in manufacturing at Pioneer Machine and Technology, creating joyful experiences at Fido & Stitch and Groovy Donuts, or helping people connect through sports at Wolverine Pickleball, each company serves a distinct and valuable purpose in our community.

As our inaugural cohort, these fellows are setting the standard for future generations of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Through their participation, they’re not just growing their own businesses – they’re helping shape a program that will support Michigan’s women entrepreneurs for years to come.

We invite you to learn more about each of these remarkable business leaders and their companies below.

2024-2025 Cohort

Diane Arnold

Neuco Furniture & Upholstery

Monica Gauthier

Groovy Donuts

Deborah Harris​

Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc

Heather Houtman

Winsome Travel Design

Christy Howden

Wolverine Pickleball

Nancy Marshall

Aluminum Supply
Company Inc. 

Alli McDonough

Fido & Stitch

Jane Mitchell

Jungle Jane Promotions

Taryn Sulkes

Eagle Specialties

Lillian Werbin

Elderly Instruments

In the News

Jane Mitchell smiles on a virtual call

April 2025

Jungle Jane Mitchell, a member of SBAM’s First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

Michigan Business Beat

Lillian Werbin smiles on a virtual call

March 2025

Lillian Werbin a Member of SBAM’s First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

Michigan Business Beat

Christy Howden Wolverine Pickleball

March 2025

Christy Howden a Member of SBAM’s First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!!

Michigan Business Beat

Nancy Marshall smiles on a virtual meeting

March 2025

Nancy Marshall a Member of SBAM’s First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

Michigan Business Beat

Diane Arnold smiles on a virtual meeting

March 2025

Diane Arnold a Member of SBAM’s First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

Michigan Business Beat

Nancy Marshall shares her thoughts

December 2024

SBAM Foundation Announces Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship

Detroit Chamber

A woman points something out on a laptop to other women

December 2024

Women small business owners start fellowship to gain support, mentorship

Crain’s Detroit

Kim Bode smiles on a virtual call

December 2024

Kim Bode – SBAM Foundation Announces Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship

Michigan Business Beat

The exterior of Fido and Stitch

November 2024

Women-owned small businesses start 8-month fellowship to gain support, mentorship

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business