DEADWOOD, S.D. — Business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals from across South Dakota will gather in Deadwood next month for a full day of professional development, networking and speakers during the 15th annual Women’s Business Summit.

The South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity West Women’s Business Center will host the summit, themed “Rise into Influence,” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at The Lodge at Deadwood. The event is open to anyone who registers, including entrepreneurs, employees and professionals from all industries.

Organizers say the summit is particularly relevant in a state where 99% of businesses are small businesses and 43% are women-owned.

“The Women’s Business Summit is one of the most valuable days of professional development available to South Dakota’s business community,” SD CEO West Director Elizabeth Freer said. She said the event combines speakers and panel discussions with networking through the Business Showcase and other activities throughout the day.

Award-winning actor and performance coach Tara Jade Fox will open the summit with “Unforgettable: The Art of Connection.” Fox will focus on techniques used by actors to prepare, remain present and build stronger connections with others, with lessons designed to apply both on stage and in professional settings.

Certified life and mental performance coach Marli Sayler, founder of Joy in Being Coaching and Mentoring Co., will lead a morning session titled “You On Purpose: Living Your Identity with Bold Intention.” Sayler will explore self-doubt, habits, thought patterns and why positive thinking alone may not be enough to create lasting change.

Adventure athlete, entrepreneur and courage expert Jennie Milton will deliver the closing keynote, “Into the Wind: How Top Performers Use Pressure to Rise.” Drawing from experiences that include heli-skiing in Alaska, undergoing seven brain surgeries and building businesses, Milton will share strategies for managing pressure, taking calculated risks and using fear as motivation.

The afternoon will also include a panel discussion on apprenticeships moderated by South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Cabinet Secretary Marcia Hultman. “The Apprenticeship Advantage: Where Opportunity Meets Talent” will feature four panelists discussing how apprenticeships can create opportunities for South Dakota businesses and workers.

Networking will be incorporated throughout the summit. The Business Showcase opens at 8 a.m., allowing attendees to connect with local businesses and resources before the main program. The Experience Suite will also return, offering scheduled 15-minute sessions with participating service-based businesses.

Past attendee Melissa Currier said she has been able to put lessons from previous summits into practice. “I always take what I learn at the conference and try to immediately apply it to my life and business,” Currier said, adding that the events have had a lasting impact while also giving her opportunities to meet new people and hear different perspectives.

Early bird registration is $150 per person through Oct. 1, with regular registration costing $175 from Oct. 2 through Oct. 15. BHSU students may register for $50, and table packages are available for groups of eight. Advance registration is required and closes Oct. 15.

The summit will also include a raffle benefiting SD CEO West’s free, confidential business advising services and a silent auction. Limited Business Showcase vendor booths are available for $65, with vendor opportunities open through Oct. 1 or until filled.

Registration and additional information are available through the SD CEO West Women’s Business Center.