Holly Hartman Honored with NAWBO Kentucky’s EPIC Award for Business Owner of the Year

Holly Hartman Honored with NAWBO Kentucky’s EPIC Award for Business Owner of the Year

Louisville, KY – March 12, 2025 – Holly Hartman, co-founder of The WO Network and founder of The POP Agency, has been named NAWBO Kentucky’s Business Owner of the Year at the 33rd annual EPIC Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, fostering business growth, and making a meaningful impact in their communities.

“This recognition is such powerful validation that what we’re doing within The WO Network is truly needed,” said Hartman. “I’m incredibly honored to be acknowledged among so many inspiring women. It motivates me even more to continue our mission of supporting and elevating women in business.”

Hartman was selected from a record-breaking number of nominations, highlighting the growing influence of women-led businesses in Kentucky. As co-founder of The WO Network, she and Izzy Nalley recently celebrated the network’s third anniversary, reaching a significant milestone of 3,000 local members. What began as a small initiative to connect women entrepreneurs has grown into the fastest-growing women’s business community in Louisville, providing members with valuable networking, collaboration, and business development opportunities. In response to increasing demand, The WO Network is now expanding with the launch of a Southern Indiana POD, further broadening its reach to support even more women in business.

Beyond her work with The WO Network, Hartman launched The POP Agency this year, a business specializing in personal branding, graphic design, community-building strategies, and education. The POP Agency helps entrepreneurs establish strong, recognizable brands while equipping them with the tools to increase visibility, credibility, and influence in their industries. Hartman’s expertise in branding and marketing empowers business owners to effectively communicate their value and build sustainable, engaged communities around their work.

In addition to her leadership roles, Hartman is an active speaker, educator, and advocate. She frequently teaches workshops, participates in panel discussions, and mentors emerging entrepreneurs, sharing insights on business growth, leadership, and community impact. She also serves as Director of RAARE (Radical Action Advancing Racial Equity), an organization focused on increasing economic and educational opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Through RARRE, Hartman champions equitable access to business resources, mentorship, and funding to help close the racial wealth gap.

While Hartman was surprised by this recognition, members of The WO Network were not. “Holly is a powerhouse of leadership and generosity,” said a fellow WO Network member. “Her work has uplifted so many women in business, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of everything she has done for our community.”

This award further solidifies Hartman’s impact as a business leader, branding expert, and community advocate, reinforcing her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive.

About The WO Network

Founded by Holly Hartman and Izzy Nalley, The WO Network is a thriving women’s leadership community in Louisville that has grown to over 3,000 local members in just three years. Dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through networking, education, and collaboration, The WO Network is now expanding into Southern Indiana to support even more women in business.

About NAWBO Kentucky

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Kentucky is dedicated to advancing women entrepreneurs through education, networking, and advocacy. The EPIC Awards celebrate outstanding women business owners who make a lasting impact in their fields and communities.

Join The WO Network, NAWBO KY and RockIT Women for a Powerful Panel & Networking Event at Pelo West on March 19, 2025. LEARN MORE.

For more information about Holly Hartman, The WO Network, The POP Agency or RAARE, visit see websites below.

Holly Hartman: Linkedin | Facebook | Instagram

The WO Network: https://www.thewonetwork.com/

The POP Agency: https://www.thepop.agency/ RAARE: https://www.raarewomancollective.com/