Hi friends,

We’ve been busy behind the scenes—building our infrastructure, checking things off the list (and yes, constantly reminding ourselves to follow our own advice 😅). One big step? Launching this newsletter!

If you received our first message, you’ll know we’re moving future updates here to keep your inbox tidy and our conversations intentional. If this is your first time hearing from us, here’s a quick catch-up:

You may know us—Tricia Santamaria Utley and Chandra Reber—from our work at the Women’s Business Center in New Hampshire. After a federal funding shift tied to an executive order, we found ourselves unexpectedly disconnected from that work. We know that many of you are going through something similar and it may feel like you’re on an island of uncertainty right now.

We may have been knocked down but our commitment to this community never wavered.

So, we made the decision to keep going—together—and created Collective Agency, a community-centered space for small business owners to grow, connect, and thrive.

This newsletter will be our way to stay in touch, share opportunities, highlight your work, and keep the momentum going—together.

This month, we held our very first Empowered Business Practice (EBP) session as Collective Agency—and though it was an intimate start, it was deeply impactful.

We’re honored to continue partnering with Anena Hansen of AHA Agency, a brilliant coach who helps women succeed in business by being fully themselves. Her approach is especially powerful for those navigating stuckness that can happen with entrepreneurship, and the many other things that contribute to overwhelm.

Anena brings a rare mix of insight and care—helping you identify what’s holding you back (hint: it’s not your fault), reconnect with your creativity, and move forward with clarity and feminine power.

This series builds on sessions we offered while at the Women’s Business Center—where the response was incredible. Here’s what past participants shared:

To the amazing entrepreneur who joined us for our very first session under the Collective Agency banner—thank you💛. You set the tone for what this space can become.

We’re excited to grow this series together—with optional co-working time built in, because we know business moves when we do it in community.

🗓 Every 2nd Tuesday from 12–2 PM- Next Session is Tuesday May 13th
👉 Register here for the next session

If building a community-centered business collective speaks to you, we’d love to hear what kind of support would feel most meaningful. We’re in the early stages, and your voice helps shape the path forward.

Want to help shape what comes next?
Fill out our quick Community Survey and be part of designing this with us.

While much of our experience centers around supporting women entrepreneurs and those navigating complex barriers to business ownership, we’re creating a space where everyone is welcome.

Most of our programming is open to all business owners who want to learn, connect, and grow. From time to time, we may offer affinity spaces designed for folks with shared lived experiences—but our broader vision is collaborative. This is a new space, and we’re co-creating it as we go.

If you’re building something with care, curiosity, and courage—you belong here.

P.S. Know a business owner or resource partner who’d love this kind of support and community?
Feel free to forward this email or invite them to sign up—we’d love to welcome them in.