At a fall 2023 women's conference in Western Kentucky, I had the privilege of presenting on the critical role of data in making informed business decisions for expansion and startups. The session focused on leveraging SizeUp Kentucky, a powerful tool that helps businesses understand consumer spending patterns and identify lucrative market opportunities.

The conference drew a diverse audience, including ambitious high school seniors from Muhlenberg, KY, who were eager to explore entrepreneurial ventures. During the session, we delved into practical examples of how to analyze data to uncover where consumers spend their expendable income and which categories hold the most promise for new businesses.

The interactive format allowed these young entrepreneurs and local women to share their business ideas and receive real-time feedback based on data-driven insights. They learned to evaluate the potential success of their concepts and identify areas requiring a strategic pivot. This hands-on experience was invaluable in demonstrating the tangible benefits of data utilization in the business planning process.

By the end of the session, the high school seniors and local women in business had gained a deeper understanding of how to use data to make informed decisions, enhancing their confidence and capability to launch successful businesses. This initiative not only empowered them with practical knowledge but also fostered a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in the community.