CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Council for Women (WCW) is seeking nominations for outstanding female entrepreneurs across the Cowboy State for its prestigious annual Jan Torres Woman Entrepreneur Award.

“For nearly a decade, the Wyoming Council for Women has proudly recognized the remarkable contributions of women entrepreneurs across our state,” said Annie Fletcher, WCW Entrepreneur Award Committee chair. “From agriculture to technology, these women are shaping their communities and driving innovation. Each nomination unveils a unique story of resilience, ingenuity, and community impact. We encourage you to discover these hidden gems in your own communities and nominate them for this prestigious award. Don’t forget to consider your own journey – your story deserves to be told! We can’t wait to celebrate the diverse talents of Wyoming’s women business owners.”

Fletcher added, “Whether you’re nominating a fellow entrepreneur or celebrating your own accomplishments, this is an opportunity to empower and uplift the women who are shaping the future of our state. We look forward to showcasing their remarkable stories.”

Nomination forms are available at dws.wyo.gov/wcw-honors. Hard copies can be requested by emailing the WCW Liaison, Jennifer Martinez, at jennifer.martinez1@wyo.gov.

To be eligible, nominees must be women who own or operate a Wyoming-based business that has operated continuously for at least three years. Self-nominations are accepted.

The award will be presented at a ceremony in the recipient’s business location. The winner will also be recognized on the WCW website, social media, and through statewide media outlets.

The deadline for 2025 nominations is March 31, 2025.

This will be the eighth Woman Entrepreneur Award given by the WCW. Past recipients include:

  • Bev Lliteras of Strawberry Patch Quilt Shop in Newcastle (2024);
  • Angela Hartley-Drube of Live 2 Dance in Gillette (2023);
  • Katherine Bede of Verdello Olive Oil and Fine Foods in Sheridan (2022);
  • Sara Flitner of Flitner Strategies and founder of Becoming Jackson Hole in Jackson (2021);
  • Alexis “Lexie” Garrett of Alexis Drake Designs in Cheyenne (2020);
  • Ariane Jimison of Pizza Carrello in Gillette (2019); and
  • Kylah Bowers of Altitude Drug in Pinedale (2018).

The WCW is a 13-member council with representation from each of the nine judicial districts, four at-large members, and an ex-officio member from the Department of Workforce Services. The council focuses on issues that improve the status of women in Wyoming. Members are appointed by the Governor and the council is funded by the Wyoming State Legislature.

For more information, visit www.wyomingwomenscouncil.org or www.facebook.com/WyoWomensCouncil/.