After attending the Women Business Owners' 2017 Nellie Gala on October 5th, we were greatly inspired by all of the women entrepreneurs and business owners out there making a difference in the world.

Women Business Owners (WBO) is an organization that supports women in business by providing networking opportunities and business education seminars, along with visibility and inspiration for their businesses. WBO's mission is to propel resolute women entrepreneurs to embrace their fullest vision of success.

For the annual Nellie Cashman Women Business Owner of the Year Award, the WBO website states that, at the Nellie Gala, they recognize "Puget Sound women entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions to the status of women business owners through their leadership in business and the community."

Also called the WBO Nellie, this award is the most prestigious and longest running of its kind in the Puget Sound region. The presentation of the award itself brings over 300 local businesses and community leaders together for a dinner banquet and a night of celebrating inspiring women entrepreneurs and business owners.

The SZ Team would like to congratulate Vanessa Smith of Blue Ribbon Cooking on being awarded this year's WBO Nellie - Cheers!

WBO Nellie is dedicated to Nellie Cashman, a philanthropic woman entrepreneur who came west in the 1860s to be a gold prospector. In addition to her business goals, Nellie also wanted to give back to those in need. She was one of the first women to travel to the Cassiar wilderness in British Columbia, and while on the search for gold, she learned that a group of miners were suffering from scurvy. Determined to help these miners survive, Nellie traveled to their camp and provided medical aid.

The WBO Nellie Awards honor today's women entrepreneurs who embody this same pioneer spirit, and they serve as an inspiration to other women and young girls who aspire to run their own business. Learn more about this year's finalists on the WBO website.