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As women-owned businesses take center stage, generating $3.3 trillion in revenue and fueling nearly 40 percent of all U.S. companies, the green industry is stepping up to celebrate this rapid, 69-percent increase in female entrepreneurship since 2019. Recognizing that diverse teams build stronger companies, the seventh annual Women in Horticulture Week will run May 24-30, 2026, aiming to honor mentors and build a more inclusive, resilient sector.
“Our industry has every opportunity to harness the energy of female leaders and create lasting pathways for them to be entrepreneurs in horticulture,” said Katie Dubow, president of the women-led Garden Media Group. “Our industry has every opportunity to harness the energy of female leaders and create lasting pathways for them to be entrepreneurs in horticulture.”
A growing movement for women in business
The data tells a compelling story of progress and of work still to be done, according to Garden Media Group:
- The number of women-owned businesses grew 43.5 percent faster than men-owned businesses from 2019 to 2024.
- Across global venture capital in 2024, just about 2.3 percent of total venture capital dollars went to female-only founding teams, yet those companies outperform their male-founded counterparts on capital efficiency.
Women now make up nearly half of all angel investors, and 46 percent of businesses seeking angel capital are women-owned.
“Diversity is more than gender — it includes age, socioeconomic background and ethnicity,” said Jazmin Albarran, executive director at Seed Your Future. “Bringing different perspectives into our industry strengthens teams, fosters innovation and better reflects the diverse consumers we serve.”
How to participate in Women in Horticulture Week 2026
To participate, Garden Media Group recommends particpants:
- Share your story and highlight inspiring women in business to motivate others.
- Mentor or volunteer to support aspiring female horticulturists and entrepreneurs.
- Attend the NJNLA Event on Wednesday, June 3, at Timothy’s Center for Gardening in Trenton, N.J.
- Attend the Women in Horticulture series hosted by AmericanHort, including the luncheon on July 13 at Cultivate ’26.
- Join the new LinkedIn community WiH group led by Megan Morrison.
- Support the movement on social media by updating your profile picture and using #WomenInHort to share stories and recognition.
“Women are at the forefront of shaping a greener and more innovative future,” said Corrina Stellitano Andrews, director of marketing at Plant Development Services Inc. “Through workforce development, industry-leading research and community investment, we are driving meaningful change. And most importantly, we’re inspiring the next generation of leaders in horticulture.”
Nominations are open for Rooted and Rising, the first women’s leadership development program created specifically for women in horticulture. Learn more and nominate a woman here.
