Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine, announced the winners of the 2018 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs. Dr. Margo Jacquot, founder and director of The Juniper Center was named a winner in the “over $1 million and up to $2 million in annual revenues” category.
“The recipients of the 2018 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards represent an amazing group of women entrepreneurs from across the United States and as far away as Kenya and Malta,” said Smiley. “We could not be more proud to recognize their accomplishments as CEOs of fast-growth companies, community leaders, and role models and mentors to other women and girls.”
“The biggest challenge I had in starting my own practice is that I never had one minute of business training,” said Dr. Jacquot. “I was a mental health practitioner trying to build a private practice without any business training.” Jacquot said she learned much on her own, and also got a boost when she was accepted to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, a free program that provides training to small business owners across country.
“When I started the business, I couldn’t have even imagined that it would grow into one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices, with 25 therapists in five locations across Chicagoland.” Jacquot also was recognized for her business success in 2017 as a Stevie Award Gold Winner.
“I had to learn so much on my own when I got started and I want to share that with others to ease their path,” said Jacquot about her commitment to mentor others or meet one-on-one to give guidance about running a counseling business. She also created a free monthly education and networking program for the professional community.
“Do not be afraid. Be courageous. Take the leap,” Jacquot advises others thinking of opening a business. “Trust in yourself. Don’t listen to those who say you can’t. Yes. You Can.”
The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the honorees also serve as leaders of the key organizations that support the growth of women’s entrepreneurship.
Honorees will be recognized at the 16th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference, to be held from Sunday, March 4 to Tuesday, March 6 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Miami, Florida.
