IMPACT Summit

2026 IMPACT Summit - October 1

Since 2012, weVENTURE WBC has hosted an annual IMPACT Summit business leadership conference. This half-day event is an opportunity for professional women and men to network and learn from experts in the fields of business management and strategy, communications, and professional development. Our theme this year is "Chart Your Path," and we will curate an outstanding line up of speakers who will inspire and equip attendees to meet their career goals. Attendees also get to cheer on the three finalists pitching their business and vying for funding from the IMPACT Grant program.

Mark your calendar for October 1, 2026, and join us at Premiere Theaters Oaks 10 in Melbourne for weVENTURE Women's Business Center's annual IMPACT Summit, a leadership development conferenced designed to help you invest in your personal and professional growth.

This year's theme, Chart Your Path, will inspire attendees to explore new possibilities, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with fellow professionals from across the Space and Treasure Coasts.

Event Preview

Pathways to Possibility: Lisa Crites, Inventor of the Shower Shirt and author of Beautifully Unbroken - A Life Changing Invention Born of Loss, Cancer, Courage & Faith

Join patented inventor Lisa Crites as she shares her journey from idea to innovation. While women hold only about 13% of U.S. patents, that number continues to grow as more women step into innovation and entrepreneurship. Discover what it takes to bring new ideas to life and be inspired by the power of creativity, persistence, and entrepreneurship.

Pathways to Growing Beyond Your Backyard: Kelly Seidl, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream

Learn how a beloved local business expanded beyond a single location. Kelly will share insights on growth, scaling operations, and building a brand that reaches new markets.

Pathways to Leadership: Brigadier General (Retired) Irene M. Zoppi Rodríguez

Drawing from a distinguished military career, Brig. Gen. Zoppi Rodríguez will share lessons on resilience, leadership, and navigating a career journey that is rarely a straight line. Every step, challenge, and opportunity contributes to the leader you become.

Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to network with business and community leaders and cheer on the finalists competing for funding through the IMPACT Grant Program.

Tickets are on sale now! Learn more and reserve your seat. Don't miss this opportunity to chart your path toward new possibilities, meaningful connections, and lasting impact.

IMPACT Grant Program

The weVENTURE Women's Business Center (WBC) IMPACT Grant Program was created as a philanthropic function of the League of Extraordinary Investors to support the growth and sustainability of local small businesses through awards of unrestricted funds. Learn more here.

Finalists pitch their business at the IMPACT Summit, where final funding awards are announced. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, we awarded three grants, $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000. New in 2026, we hope to award a grant to a local veteran-owned or military spouse owned business as part of our partnership with Verizon and the Small Business Digital Readiness program.

IMPACT SUMMIT SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

All event sponsors receive recognition on social media, event signage on day of event and on screen during the program in addition to benefits outlined below. All corporate investors who donate $2,500 or more* are recognized by the weVENTURE WBC year-round as an Equity Partner-level investor on our website and during all business education and training events.

Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are now being accepted.

$150 - One ticket to the event and luncheon

$250 - Two tickets to the event and luncheon

$250 Vendor Table - Two tickets to the event and luncheon

$500 - Four tickets to the event and luncheon

$750 Best Supporting Snack Sponsor - Four tickets to the event and luncheon

The following sponsor levels include four tickets to the event and luncheon OR two tickets to the event and a vendor table.

$2,500 Breakfast Sponsor - Business recognized on signage at the morning coffee and breakfast display (SOLD)

$2,500 Lunch Sponsor - Business recognized on signage at VIP luncheon

$2,500 Step and Repeat Sponsor - Business logo included in the step and repeat banner used for photo opportunities (SOLD)

$5,000 Presenting Sponsor - Logo included on all event promotional materials, as well as the opportunity to introduce the keynote speaker

INVEST IN WEVENTURE

weVENTURE is the leading regional voice and resource for female entrepreneurs and professional women. Investment from the local community allows us to provide low/no-cost business education and training to entrepreneurs in Brevard, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. weVENTURE must fundraise to match the $150,000 annual grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Thank you for your support!

weVENTURE will be promoting this event throughout the Space and Treasure Coasts throughout August and September, in print and digital marketing campaigns.

Support weVENTURE

or email weventure@fit.edu to request an invoice