On Centre-stage: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from New Hampshire
#WomenEntrepreneursNH #GraniteStateInnovation #InspiringLeadership
New Hampshire’s enterprising women entrepreneurs are creating waves across “The Granite State” – redefining industries & inspiring future generations. From healthcare and technology to manufacturing and education, these women are not just building businesses, but they are fostering communities, creating opportunities & contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth. With a vibrant spirit of innovation & resilience, these trailblazers are proving that no challenge is insurmountable.
Organizations like the New Hampshire Women’s Business Center & the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council have played critical roles in supporting these women by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. These entrepreneurs are not only driving revenue and creating jobs, but are also empowering other women to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. Their stories of grit and success serve as a testament to the strength and creativity of New Hampshire’s women leaders, ensuring a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Rising Together: Celebrating New Hampshire’s Women-Led Businesses
Women entrepreneurs from New Hampshire are a vibrant & dynamic group, making significant contributions to the state’s economy and communities. As they continue to break new ground, these women are helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative business landscape in the state. Their contributions prove that when women rise, communities thrive.
Here’s presenting some enterprising women entrepreneurs from New Hampshire.
> Karen Bassett, Founder, Wayfarer Coffee Roasters
Funded by Karen Bassett, Wayfarer Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster. The company is known for its high-quality, small-batch roasted coffee beans. Their mission is – to source unique and rare coffee varieties from around the world, while also promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Wayfarer Coffee Roasters has been appreciated for its distinctive blends and single- origin coffees, which are available through their online store and select retailers. As a passionate coffee enthusiast, her expertise and dedication have made Wayfarer Coffee Roasters a go-to destination for coffee connoisseurs.
Originally from Seattle, Karen moved to New Hampshire in 2008 and embarked on a mission to bring her beloved coffee to the community. Starting with home-roasted coffee sold at the Laconia Farmers Market, Karen, along with her husband Reuben and Laconia local Ben Bullerwell, launched the flagship Wayfarer Coffee Roasters in downtown Laconia in 2015.
What began as a single coffee shop has today, expanded into a community-driven enterprise. Wayfarer’s commitment to supporting local farmers and makers led to the expansion of the Wayfarer Marketplace, which created an opportunity to showcase local products the year-round. In 2022, their commitment to using coffee to grow communities, actually led to the inaugural North East Coffee Festival (formally New England Coffee Festival. Their offerings now include – space rentals, catering, and a wholesale program serving cafes and retailers across the region.
> Janet Kwiatkowski, Founder, MAE Group
MAE Group, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, was founded by Janet Kwiatkowski in 2013; and it has been instrumental in bringing life-saving devices to global markets. Specializing in regulatory affairs, clinical affairs, quality management, AI/ML engineering, product design and development engineering and program management services, MAE Group collaborates with medical device, bioscience & life science companies to commercialize products globally.
MAE Group is a business service provider specializing in domestic and international regulatory affairs and compliance services – to healthcare companies to commercialize medical and in vitro diagnostic devices in target markets. The services include – submissions to government agencies, regulatory strategy, project management, regulatory and team training, pre-submission direction such as verification and validation protocol and report reviews, biocompatibility review, sterilization validation review, dossier generation, liaison and negotiation with government agencies or in-country agents and securing clearances.
Under her leadership, MAE Group has mainly expanded its vision in 2020 – to lead the commercialization of a thermobrachy therapy oncology medical device. With a strong reputation with global regulatory bodies, MAE Group continues to guide companies – through successful product launches, aligning strategic and tactical aspects with business plans.
> Leah Bellemore, Co-founder, Vine 32
In April 2022, Vine 32 emerged with a refreshing take on the traditional wine bar experience in the heart of Bedford, New Hampshire. Founded by locals Leah and Tom Bellemore, Vine 32 allows customers to try a variety of wines. In 2020, Leah, with a background in boutique hotel marketing, got the idea during a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina. She knew that she wanted to create a space where people could come together to enjoy good wine and good company, in a relaxed and approachable setting.
Since opening its doors in spring 2022, Vine 32 has transformed from an idea on paper to a thriving community hub!! They have crafted not just a wine bar, but a space where women are supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
> Ruth Bratlie, Founder, AMB IRON
AMB IRON is a notable business in the structural steel and miscellaneous metals industry. As a woman-owned company, AMB IRON really stands out – for its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to female leadership.
The Owner of the company is Ruth Bratlie, a dedicated entrepreneur who has built a successful business in a traditionally male-dominated field. This achievement is a testament to Bratlie’s hard work and determination, as well as her ability to navigate & succeed in a competitive industry. AMB IRON’s unique profile and her leadership make it a compelling story in the business world.
She is a Structural Steel and Miscellaneous Metals contractor. AMB IRON is based in New Hampshire and serves Southern NH and the Greater Boston Area. Since 2026, she has been an ironworker and was inspired to start her own company after the birth of her daughter. As an Ironworker with a passion for the trade, she holds high standards as far as quality of work and job site safety are concerned; and she employs others with the same strong work ethic and pursuit of excellence.
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