Congratulations to our 2009 winners

Launching 55% of all new firm start-ups in the US,^* women entrepreneurs continue to be an important source of innovation and job creation. To help accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses and as part of our firm’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, Ernst & Young launched the annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program. This competitive award is designed to connect a select group of women entrepreneurs with the people, resources and insights they need to become market leaders.

This year’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women will join an elite network of the country’s best, high-growth companies. Winners will attend the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, an unparalleled gathering of entrepreneurs, executives, advisors and investors who can help guide them in their decision-making and bolster their success.

Through Ernst & Young, the Entrepreneurial Winning Women will also receive opportunities on both a national and regional level to:

• Expand their knowledge with the latest information, research and executive dialogs on leading business strategies and practices tailored to high-growth companies
• Identify prospective sources for private capital with selected venture capital and private equity firms, as well as potential partners, strategic alliances, customers and suppliers
• Gain access to informal, one-to-one guidance and support
• Strengthen their executive leadership and business skills in meeting with senior advisors and entrepreneurs who can serve as role models, coaches and mentors
• Increase national and regional visibility for themselves and their companies among corporate executives, investors and the media

This year’s winners were selected by the following panel of independent judges representing successful entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders:

• Reneé Amoore, President and CEO, The Amoore Group
• Nancy Briefs, President and CEO, Eleme Medical
• Janet Chien, Founder and Principal, Dyad Systems and Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2008 participant
• Lyn Kirby, President and CEO, ULTA
• Pamela O’Rourke, President, ICON Information Consultants
• Laura Pearl, Managing Director, Ceres Venture Fund
• Bernee D. L. Strom, Chairman and CEO, WebTuner
• Kathleen Utecht, Founder, Cahootie by Green Rock Entertainment and Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2008 participant

^*Source: National Women’s Business Council