Call the Shots: Business Women Gather for 14th Annual Symposium

The Gem State’s women business leaders converged on Idaho State University’s Pocatello campus for the 2026 Women’s Business Symposium.

For the 14th year, the Pocatello (Region 5) Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted an impactful event that drew 235 attendees for a day of networking and high-level workshops on strategic growth, communication, and AI. Under the 2026 theme "Call the Shots," the day centered on the idea that to lead effectively, one must master the art of communication as a power position. This approach emphasizes saying more rather than talking more, utilizing radical honesty to save time and active listening to uncover opportunities that architect the future rather than simply narrating the present. Keynote speaker Meg Bucaro anchored this vision by “sharing practical, research-based tools” that empower women to translate their expertise into clear, confident communication that is both heard and acted upon.

“The 2026 SBDC Women’s Business Symposium was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tracy Tritle, regional director of the SBDC. “We were honored to host visionary leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs for a day that was both powerfully inspirational and deeply educational. The energy in the room was a testament to the strength of our professional community. From the stage to the networking tables, the insights shared by our speakers provided the pivotal tools and motivation needed to navigate the evolving business landscape of 2026.”

The event also highlighted the work of longtime SBDC staff members Ann Swanson and Claudia Allen. Swanson, the former regional director who’s currently serving as the senior business consultant, will be stepping away from the SBDC in October, and Allen, a business consultant at SBDC, will retire at the end of April.

The keynote lunch experience featured a Young Entrepreneur Pitch-Off, where current and former ISU students competed by showcasing their business visions. These entrepreneurs were tasked with briefly presenting their innovative ideas, along with their potential revenue streams, projected expenses, and strategic plans for future growth. The winner was selected by audience vote, and Aliyah Gamino’s Ghost Goodies, a dog treat bakery, took home the $2,000 top prize. Ghost Goodies offers “treats in a variety of flavors and sizes so no pup gets left out.”

“This prize means so much to me,” said Gamino. “It takes time to grow a business, and I feel like this prize will ease our struggle to expand. We plan to expand our business by registering our treats in Utah. We are looking to attend larger events and markets, slowly gaining a wider following in places we’ve never taken the business.”

The event was sponsored by ICCU, U.S Bank Foundation, the Idaho Small Business Development Center, ISU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Lookout Credit Union, Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, SEI Credit Union, 1 Hour Auto, and Zions Bank.

“Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support,” Tritle said. “It is the backbone of our mission and allows us to continue providing this high-quality, transformative experience for women in business. Thank you to our attendees for your passion, your curiosity, and your commitment to excellence. Your presence is what makes this symposium a "can't-miss" event year after year.”

For more info on the Pocatello (Region 5) Small Business Development Center, visit idahosbdc.org.