Core Insights - Didi Caldwell, President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, has been named to Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500 list, recognizing her leadership and impact in the business sector [1] - The 2026 Female Founders honorees collectively generated approximately $12.3 billion in revenue in 2025 and secured $12.2 billion in funding to date, highlighting the economic significance of women-led businesses [1] - The selection process for the honorees involves a rigorous evaluation of both quantitative metrics, such as revenue growth and funding, and qualitative factors like innovation and social impact [1] Company Overview - Global Location Strategies (GLS) is a leading firm specializing in location strategy, site selection advisory, and incentive negotiation, particularly in complex industrial and manufacturing projects [1] - Over the past year, GLS has expanded its global reach, including the opening of a European headquarters in the Netherlands and a significant venture-backed spin-off of Strata Platforms [1] - GLS played a pivotal role in guiding Emirates Global Aluminium through a 46-state search, resulting in a $4 billion investment for a new aluminum smelter in the U.S., the first of its kind since 1980 [1] Industry Impact - The 2026 Female Founders list includes innovators across various sectors, showcasing the transformative impact of female leadership in industries such as AI, beauty, wellness, and nonprofit [1] - The recognition of Caldwell as "America's Factory Whisperer" underscores her influence in modern manufacturing investment and site selection strategy [1] - The economic contributions of women-led businesses, as evidenced by the substantial revenue and funding figures, reflect a growing trend of female entrepreneurship shaping the future of various industries [1]

You're here for the first time, right. >> I am. >> Very excited.>> And you're part you come with the UK delegation. Is that right. >> Yes.So, I was already attending because um I've been invited to come today and to join the uh to join the week. Um and then very recently, I was also enjoy um invited to join the chancellor of the UK's delegation. We're so happy that Europe rejoins here in Davos.I love it. You know, I love the British. Um, you've been named, your firm has been named entrepreneur of the year i ...

Core Insights - Diana Kurbanova, Founder & CEO of UzFranchise Consulting Agency, has been invited to join the Forbes Business Council, marking a significant milestone for Central Asian entrepreneurship [1][3] - Kurbanova is recognized as the youngest woman to receive this invitation, highlighting her exceptional achievements early in her career [4][5] - Her selection is based on her extraordinary leadership in the franchising sector and contributions to entrepreneurship in Central Asia [5] Company Overview - UzFranchise Consulting Agency is the only firm in Uzbekistan focused on developing local and international franchise brands, particularly in the HoReCa sector [5][10] - The agency has partnered with global brands like Wendy's, showcasing its role in expanding franchise opportunities in the region [5] Industry Impact - Kurbanova has successfully navigated social and business-cultural barriers that female entrepreneurs face in Central Asia, expanding operations across four markets [6] - Her role as Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan Franchise Association (UFA) positions her as a key figure in the growth of the franchising ecosystem in Central Asia [10] Community and Networking - Membership in the Forbes Business Council provides Kurbanova with access to a global peer network, expert panels, and exclusive coaching, enhancing her influence and expertise [3][8] - The community is eager to benefit from her unique expertise in franchising, which is seen as a valuable addition to the network [7]