Melinda Emerson — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

President of SmallBizLady Enterprises (since 2007) and Owner of Quintessence Group (since 1999).
National bestselling author of "Become Your Own Boss in 12 months" and "Fix Your Business".
Host of The SmallBizChat Podcast (since 2019).
Advisory Board Member at The IFA World Franchise Show (since 2025).
Adjunct Professor at Drexel University (since 2022).
Former columnist for the New York Times.
Advises Fortune 500 companies including Pitney Bowes, VISA, FedEx, Verizon, Xerox, The Hartford, American Express, and Sam's Club.

Biography

Melinda Emerson, MBA, is known as America's #1 Small Business Expert. She serves as CEO of Quintessence Group, which she has owned since 1999, and President of SmallBizLady Enterprises since 2007. Her expertise spans three key areas: advising small businesses through crucial developmental stages, guiding Fortune 500 companies on how to effectively market to small businesses, and helping both small businesses and large corporations utilize digital marketing strategies.