The 2026 Amelia Market drew 265 attendees and featured 39 women-owned businesses Sept. 12 at the Ozarks Small Business Incubator in West Plains.
Previously known as the Business Women’s Expo, the event included vendors offering products and services ranging from health and wellness and professional services to jewelry, pottery, fashion and books.
Organizers said this year’s event had its largest turnout to date.
One longtime attendee who gave only her first name, Jamie, said she has attended the event for at least four years.
“I love seeing so many women-owned businesses coming together,” she said. “There’s such a diversity in businesses, and being able to speak and sample with all of them is so much fun. It’s also a great way to network.”
The Amelia Network is a local networking group for women in business and leadership positions in West Plains and surrounding communities. Founded in 2019, the group hosts networking and professional development activities throughout the year.
Sponsors for this year’s Amelia Market included Assurance Realty, Community First Banking Company, Edward Jones-Heather Foster, Ozarks Healthcare, Ozark Marketing, Ramona Heiney State Farm, SCOCOG, Turner Law Firm, The Back Lot, West Plains Downtown and Wiley Insurance.
For information about future Amelia Network events, search for “The Amelia Network” on Facebook or call 417-256-9724.
