The Business Women of Pocatello (BWP) will cease operations early next year, marking the end of a nine-year effort to foster professional growth among female entrepreneurs in Bannock County.
The organization’s board of directors voted to dissolve the group after reviewing long-term sustainability, membership participation, and evolving community needs. Ellen Loomis, who serves as BWP board president, described the decision as difficult but necessary for the group’s future direction.
“This is an emotional moment for all of us,” Loomis said.
Founded in 2017 by Whitney Poleki and Lisa Adams, BWP focused on connecting local women through mentorship, education, and community involvement. Over its nine-year history, the organization awarded $60,000 in grants to support members pursuing higher education, leadership development, and business expansion.
Loomis emphasized that the group’s impact extended beyond traditional networking events. She noted that BWP was dedicated to women supporting one another through professional challenges and celebrating shared successes.
The organization will complete its remaining commitments through the end of 2026. Formal dissolution procedures are expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2027.
BWP will host its final Mix & Mingle event on Nov. 13. During the gathering, five members will receive the organization’s final $10,000 in grant funding. This distribution marks the last financial award from the group’s reserve funds.
The dissolution reflects broader trends in local nonprofit sustainability, where volunteer-led organizations often face challenges maintaining engagement over time. BWP’s leadership chose to wind down operations while the organization remained solvent and mission-focused, rather than allowing participation to decline gradually.
Community members with questions about the dissolution process, the final event, or the 2026 grant program can contact BWpocatello@gmail.com.
The end of BWP leaves a gap in Pocatello’s professional development landscape for women. The organization provided structured opportunities for mentorship and financial support that few other local groups offered specifically to female business owners.
Loomis said the board wanted to ensure a respectful conclusion to the organization’s work. By completing all scheduled programs and distributing remaining funds, BWP aims to finish its mission on positive terms.
The final event on Nov. 13 will serve as both a celebration of past achievements and a farewell to members who contributed to the group’s success over nearly a decade.