(Sonja Anderson)
Sonja Anderson, owner and agency director of zö agency, was recognized as a winner of the 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs. Anderson was recognized at the 24th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference for her leadership in the Over $1 Million Sales category. The event brought together dynamic women from around the world to share business insights, expand their networks and deepen mentoring commitments. It was held in early March in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“Sonja Anderson is an accomplished business owner and leader in her field,” said Monica Smiley, CEO and publisher of Enterprising Women. “We are so proud to recognize her contribution to her company, her community and as a role model and mentor to other women and girls.”
Anderson started zö agency right here in Bend in 2013, and their office and studio are located in downtown Bend. Her mission has been to “Champion the Changemakers” and to give voice and recognition to those who are making their communities more accessible, compassionate, and livable for all. She has worked with many of Central Oregon’s premier businesses during the last 13 years, as well as city, county and state organizations, including the City of Bend, Deschutes County Fair, Deschutes County Library and Homelessness in Deschutes.org, who are improving the lives of Oregonians. She is an advocate for justice, especially in regards to housing, human rights and women entrepreneurs like herself.
The Enterprising Women of the Year Award is widely considered the most prestigious global award recognition for accomplished women entrepreneurs. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the honorees also serve as leaders of the key organizations that support the growth of women’s entrepreneurship.
The 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference presented two full days of top-notch workshops, networking opportunities, corporate sponsor exhibits and awards presentations. The celebration concluded with a spotlight on each honoree at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Gala Dinner.
About Enterprising Women Magazine:
Enterprising Women, with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, is the nation’s only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women’s businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women. Published in both print and digital editions, the online edition of the magazine reaches one million readers in 185 countries.
About zö agency:
zö agency is a women-owned, full-service marketing and advertising firm based in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to serving changemakers across the United States. With a diverse team and a commitment to social justice, the agency partners with nonprofits, government entities, and private companies to create impactful campaigns that drive positive change.
zö.agency • 541-350-2778 • enterprisingwomen.com • call 919-362-1551
Why Bend Ranks Tenth Best Small Metro for Women-Owned Businesses
CoworkingCafe’s latest analysis ranks the best U.S. metro areas for women-owned businesses, highlighting where female entrepreneurs have the strongest support systems and growth opportunities. For a fair comparison, the metros were split into three population brackets – large metros (over one million), mid-sized metros (500K–1M), and small metros (under 500K).
Our study analyzed over 200 metros across 14 metrics grouped into three main categories: women’s entrepreneurship, economic context, and labor and talent pool, covering indicators from share of women-owned businesses and median earnings to coworking prices and educational attainment.
Bend ranks tenth among small metros, standing out for one of the highest women’s self-employment rates in its category, a strong share of women-owned businesses, and robust economic growth. Here are a few of the metrics that highlight Bend’s strengths:
- 16.2% of Bend metro’s 16+ year population is self-employed – the second-highest rate among all small metros – pointing to a deeply entrepreneurial culture among women in the area.
- 24.7% of businesses are women-owned – the fifth-highest share among small metros – compared to 22.9% nationally, a sign of a well-established community of women-led companies.
- The area posted 41.5% GDP growth – seventh among small metros – reflecting strong economic momentum for scaling businesses.
- In Bend, 40.0% of women hold a bachelor’s degree or higher – 12th among small metros – and median earnings for women stand at $43,440 – 19th highest – providing a solid foundation of skilled talent.
- With 1,632 new businesses per 100K population, ranking 13th, and 6.8% population growth, 12th among small metros, Bend shows steady new-venture activity supported by a growing customer base and talent pool.
You can read our full study at coworkingcafe.com/blog/best-places-for-women-owned-businesses.
