In 2025, WBENC continues its legacy of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Each WBE Star has been hand-selected by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations, with a special focus this year on honoring those who embody the spirit of “ACCELERATE” by championing progress, growth, and advancement for themselves, their businesses, and the communities they serve. The WBE Star Award stands as a powerful acknowledgment of the profound impact these extraordinary women have made throughout their careers, shaping industries and inspiring lasting changes in their communities.
The 2025 WBE Stars will be celebrated throughout the year, culminating at the vibrant WBENC National Conference from June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This dynamic event will serve as a hub for business excellence, innovation, and networking. Thousands of attendees will gather to celebrate the strength and rich tapestry of the WBENC Network. It will be a time to recognize the ongoing contributions of entrepreneurs and change makers, including the 14 exceptional WBE Stars, who are ACCELERATING impact across the network.
Meet Denise Merritt, CEO and Founder of Merritt Business Solutions, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council of Florida Regional Partner Organization. For over 30+ years, Denise Merritt has helped business owners with employee administration solutions. Since founding Merritt Business Solutions in 2017, Denise has realized her true professional calling. Working as a Business Consultant for multiple leading PEOs and HROs, Denise learned first-hand the art and skills for fitting clients’ business circumstances with the solution most suited to their immediate and long-term needs. As she began her customer service/human resources career, Denise acquired certifications including a Health and Life license, a Professional of Human Resources certification, and an and OSHA 501(c) certification for General Industries. As Denise’s knowledge grew, so did her desire to give back. She now mentors many up-and-coming entrepreneurs, as she believes that “by sharing knowledge and experiences, we can lift each other and create a stronger community.”
Get inspired by Denise’s insights, and stay tuned for more wisdom from the other 2025 WBE Stars throughout the year!
Merritt Business Solutions (MBS) empowers businesses of all sizes by providing essential HR and employee benefits solutions. They have over 32 years of experience helping business owners with their employee administration, providing solutions to help businesses achieve economic equality. Merritt Business Solutions takes on a personalized education approach, which ensures that each business gets the right support and guidance to make an informed decision. Their fractional HR services and employee benefits streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost employee satisfaction. Merritt Business Solutions is on a mission to simplify your journey, provide valuable education, and open doors to new opportunities.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Denise Merritt
What does “ACCELERATE” mean to you in the context of the WBENC network?
To me, “ACCELERATE” means fostering growth, building momentum, and empowering women entrepreneurs. It’s about creating a supportive environment where women-owned businesses can thrive and reach new heights.
I’m committed to using my platform to uplift and inspire others, and by working together, we can achieve even greater things.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to ACCELERATE their success, what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
- Build Strong Relationships: Network with other business owners, join industry organizations and attend events.
- Share Your Expertise: Use webinars, workshops, or guest speaking opportunities to offer valuable insights.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize technology tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay up to date on industry trends and invest in professional development.
What are some key trends or challenges you see in your industry, and how do you plan to adapt to them?
The HR industry is rapidly evolving, driven by several key trends and challenges:
- Remote Work and Flexibility: As remote work becomes more prevalent, businesses need HR solutions to support hybrid and fully remote workforces. We’re adapting by partnering with innovative technology providers to offer cloud-based solutions for payroll, benefits management, and employee engagement.
- Mental Health and Wellness: Employee well-being is increasingly important, and businesses prioritize mental health support. We collaborate with wellness providers to integrate mental health resources into our clients’ benefits plans.
- Talent Retention: The tight labor market makes retaining top talent a challenge. We’re addressing this by advocating for proactive retention strategies, such as tailored benefits, competitive compensation, and leadership development programs.
- Value-Based HR: Some businesses prioritize cost savings over value-added services. We’re educating our clients about the long-term benefits of investing in robust HR solutions, including reduced turnover, increased productivity, and improved compliance.
By staying ahead of these trends and adapting our strategies, we aim to continue providing innovative and practical HR solutions that help our clients thrive.
What suggestions would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
Get involved! Attend events, join committees, and connect with other members. The more you participate, the more you’ll benefit. Be a giver.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the business community?
I aspire to leave a lasting legacy as a leader who:
- Empowers Others: I’ve dedicated my career to helping businesses thrive by providing strategic HR solutions and empowering my team to reach their full potential.
- Champions Diversity and Inclusion: Through my work with The Pride Chamber of Central Florida, I’ve advocated for a more equitable business landscape, particularly for underrepresented groups.
- Fosters Collaboration: I believe in the power of community and have worked to build strong networks like WBENC and NGLCC, where businesses can collaborate and support each other.
- Inspires Purpose-Driven Leadership: I strive to inspire future leaders to prioritize values, relationships, and community impact alongside financial success.
Ultimately, I hope to be remembered as a catalyst for positive change, leaving a legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
