Inc.'s 8th annual Female Founders list highlights the nation's top business leaders who challenge the status quo to tackle some of the world's biggest problems
DALLAS, March 27, 2025 -- Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, has named SPM Communications founder and President Suzanne Miller to its eighth annual Female Founders 500 list.
The list honors a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding.
Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world's biggest problems. Editors evaluate applicants through three rounds of judging, looking specifically at an entrepreneur's bona fides in the past year.
Criteria include quantifiable metrics such as revenue, sales, revenue growth, funding and audience size. Inc. also looks for qualitative metrics including social media momentum and stories of impact.
Miller, who founded SPM Communications in 1999 as a one-woman operation and built it into a $3 million business, was recognized for leading the long-running marketing and PR agency through a severe industry downturn before ultimately restoring agency revenue to 100%.
In 2023-24, while many agencies were laying off staff due to clients slashing budgets in the face of inflation and economic uncertainty, Miller launched an agencywide new business initiative that included a task force and commission program. The initiative successfully replenished the agency's client roster with no team reductions.
"For 26 years, we've weathered all kinds of storms, from a recession to a global pandemic to runaway inflation, but my approach has always been to take care of and trust in the team, and the work will come," said Miller. "I'm honored to be recognized by Inc. alongside so many strong women — leaders, visionaries, artists and entrepreneurs — that shape our world today."
The founders span all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization.
"Female founders know what struggle is, but they're also experts of improvisation, adaptability and creativity. The women featured on this year's list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress," said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom.
Several honorees are featured in Inc. magazine's Female Founders issue, on newsstands now. To see the complete list of honorees, please visit https://www.inc.com/female-founders.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About SPM Communications Inc.
Founded in 1999, Dallas-based SPM Communications is an award-winning PR, media relations, influencer, social, franchise development and crisis/issues management agency. The firm creates impactful campaigns and drives meaningful results for multiple consumer brands within its areas of expertise that include national and regional restaurant, food and beverage, retail, apparel and lifestyle. Recognized for its 26-year "No Jerks" policy, the agency was recently named a 2024 PR News Agency Elite Top 100 and a Top 15 boutique PR firm by Business Insider. More information is available on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kristen Kauffman
214-379-7000
kristen@spmcommunications.com
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