2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report will be released February 24. Learn more read the report


The James Beard Foundation aims to champion equity by supporting women throughout the lifecycle of their careers. We look to address the root causes and challenges women face in their professional advancement and provide the tools, resources, and networks to ensure the success and increase of women-owned businesses and women in leadership across the industry.

Photo: ELL Creative/JBF

Photo: ELL Creative/JBF

Two women with microphones onstage

Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL)

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) flagship program is an advanced educational, training, and networking program for owners or co-owners of brick-and-mortar food or beverage businesses in the United States.

Photo: Clay Williams

Financial Literacy Workshop

The Financial Literacy Workshop for Women is an annual two-day financial fitness workshop that aims to provide women and non-binary hospitality entrepreneurs at all stages of their career—from turning an idea into operation to growing one’s existing businesses—with the financial literacy training they need to get to their next level.

Sponsors

Program Sponsors


Official James Beard Foundation Partners