A New Era of Entrepreneurship in the Poconos
Across Monroe County and the wider Pocono region, women entrepreneurs are quietly but powerfully reshaping the business landscape. From family-owned boutiques and creative studios to digital consultancies and tourism ventures, women-owned businesses are fueling local economic growth and breathing new life into small towns.
The Poconos has always been known for its natural beauty and hospitality-driven economy, but over the past few years, the region has also become a hub for entrepreneurial innovation. And at the heart of that transformation are women who are blending creativity with community purpose.
According to 2025 data from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), women-owned businesses now represent nearly 40% of all new business filings statewide, a trend mirrored in Monroe and Pike Counties. While urban areas often capture attention, rural entrepreneurs, especially women, are proving equally vital in sustaining and diversifying local economies.
Recognizing Local Leadership: PBNews’ Women in Business Awards
One of the region’s most visible celebrations of female entrepreneurship has been the Pocono Business News (PBNews) Women in Business Awards, an annual event recognizing women leading in business, innovation, and community service.
Since its inception, the awards have highlighted dozens of inspiring figures from small business owners and healthcare professionals to educators and nonprofit directors, spotlighting the often unseen labor behind the Poconos’ economic vitality.
Although the 2025 edition will not be held due to a lack of sponsorship and funding, the legacy of the event continues to resonate. Many past honorees remain deeply involved in local mentorship, advocacy, and chamber activities, and discussions are already underway about reviving the program in 2026.
“The Women in Business Awards gave a platform to women who were not just running companies, but building community,”. “Even without this year’s ceremony, the spirit of the awards lives on in every woman pushing forward despite challenges.”
Danica Hartenfels and Wick It
One standout local entrepreneur is Danica Hartenfels, founder of Wick It, a handcrafted candle brand based in Monroe County. Hartenfels’ business started in her kitchen during the pandemic and has since evolved into a recognized regional brand.
Known for its eco-friendly wax blends and Pocono-inspired scents, Wick It gained statewide recognition when Hartenfels became a finalist in a Pennsylvania entrepreneur competition in early 2025. Her products now appear in local shops, farmers’ markets, and gift stores across the region.
Her success has inspired other women to explore creative entrepreneurship, proving that a strong idea and local roots can grow into a sustainable business with the right community support.
Expanding Women’s Presence in Professional and Digital Fields
While artisan and retail ventures get much of the attention, women in the Poconos are also breaking ground in professional services, consulting, and technology.
Tanya Rivera, founder of Rivera Consulting & Design in Stroudsburg, started her firm in 2021 to help small businesses establish online visibility during the pandemic. Her team now offers branding, SEO, and e-commerce development to clients across Northeast Pennsylvania.
Rivera is part of a growing network of digital-first women entrepreneurs in Monroe County, many of whom are self-taught and operate remotely, serving clients far beyond Pennsylvania. Their presence reflects a broader trend of rural digital entrepreneurship, enabled by improving broadband access and telework flexibility.
Networks and Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
The success of these entrepreneurs isn’t happening in isolation. Several local and state programs are helping women start and scale their ventures:
- The Women’s Business Center at The University of Scranton offers free mentoring, business plan development, and financial literacy workshops for Monroe County residents.
- Ben Franklin Technology Partners supports women innovators in technology, manufacturing, and green industries with grants and investor connections.
- NEPA Alliance and the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC) offer technical assistance and micro-loans to early-stage entrepreneurs.
The Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce continues to grow its Women in Business Council, which hosts events, networking mixers, and speaker series that spotlight female leadership.
Even PBNews itself, through its digital platform, regularly features small business stories and Q&A spotlights that have helped women-owned enterprises reach broader audiences.
Funding, Visibility, and Work-Life Balance
Despite encouraging progress, many women founders in the Poconos face structural barriers. Access to capital remains a top challenge, especially for businesses with limited collateral or operating outside traditional industries.
A 2024 Pennsylvania Small Business Climate Survey found that over 60% of women entrepreneurs in rural areas cited “financing” as their biggest obstacle, followed by “marketing reach” and “work-life balance.”
Many rely on personal savings, family loans, or micro-grants to launch, which limits scaling opportunities. The absence of childcare and flexible workspace options in some parts of Monroe and Pike Counties adds another layer of difficulty.
Angela Moss, a consultant at the Pocono Small Business Development Center (SBDC), says targeted local solutions are needed.
The Broader Impact: Women Strengthening the Pocono Economy
Women-owned businesses contribute to far more than just local commerce; they are reshaping how the regional economy functions.
In Monroe County, small businesses employ nearly half of all private-sector workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women are especially active in service industries, creative fields, healthcare, and education, all essential for community well-being.
Local economists say that women-led companies also tend to reinvest profits locally, hire from their neighborhoods, and mentor other founders, creating an inclusive ecosystem.
Tourism, one of the Poconos’ largest sectors, is also seeing diversification through female-led ventures, from boutique inns and wellness studios to artisanal food and beverage brands. These businesses attract off-season visitors and add to the region’s year-round appeal.
Building a Sustainable Support System
The Pennsylvania 2025-2030 Economic Inclusion Framework includes a focus on gender diversity and entrepreneurship. Monroe County is expected to benefit from new Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund grants, offering capital access and mentorship for underrepresented founders.
Meanwhile, East Stroudsburg University’s Business Accelerator has announced plans to launch a Women Founders Track in 2026, with training in e-commerce, marketing, and investor readiness.
Local leaders are also discussing how to revive PBNews’ Women in Business Awards through community partnerships and crowd-sponsorship, ensuring recognition for women entrepreneurs remains a consistent part of the region’s economic story.
Keeping the Momentum Alive
Even without a 2025 awards ceremony, the progress of women entrepreneurs in the Poconos continues to tell a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and quiet determination.
From Stroudsburg’s boutique corridors to online consulting firms reaching national clients, women-owned businesses are proving that the Pocono economy’s strength lies not just in its scenery but in its people.
And while challenges like funding and visibility persist, the growing network of women-led initiatives supported by chambers, development agencies, and local media is ensuring that momentum isn’t lost.
The next generation of women founders is already emerging. Their ideas are diverse, their commitment deep, and their impact undeniable. Whether through handcrafted candles, digital consulting, or community service, these women are shaping a future where business and inclusion grow hand in hand right here in the Poconos.