National Small Business Week
The Greenhouse joins in the national effort to acknowledge, appreciate, and uplift small business owners in our community. For National Small Business Month, we are excited to highlight students making waves in our current Entrepreneurial Academy cohort.
Meet Elizabeth Siplin with Empact Solutions LLC.
GH: Tell us a little about yourself and your business!
ES: Elizabeth V. Siplin, hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, is a multifaceted individual whose life has been dedicated to service, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. With a distinguished career spanning 27 years in the United States Army, where she rose to the esteemed rank of Sergeant Major, Elizabeth has exemplified leadership and dedication throughout her journey.
As an entrepreneur, Elizabeth is the visionary Founder and CEO of Empact Solutions LLC, a certified service-disabled veteran, women and minority owned small business, which she leads with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Empact Solutions specializes in Organizational Management and Professional Development, catering to clients at local, state, and federal levels. Notably, her firm holds certifications including the FDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE/DBE) and HUBZone certification with the federal government. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Elizabeth is an author and motivational speaker, using her experiences to inspire and empower others.
She serves as the Senior Pastor for New Faith Free Methodist Church, embodying her dedication to spiritual leadership and community service. Elizabeth’s passion for community welfare led her to establish the Second Chance Empowerment Foundation, initially aimed at supporting families affected by trauma and violence.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Elizabeth is deeply engaged in various boards and committees, including roles on the Pinellas CareerSource and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. She has also lent her expertise as a former advisor to the NAACP Executive Board Committee and the AEDI Foundation.
Education has been a cornerstone of Elizabeth’s journey, reflected in her academic achievements. She holds an MBA in Business and Sports Management from Columbia Southern University, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.
Elizabeth is not only a leader in her professional endeavors but also a devoted mother to her daughter, Jaihde Williams, whose academic pursuits reflect the same dedication to excellence and service that defines Elizabeth’s own life. Jaihde is a graduate of The College of William and Mary with a B.S. degree in Chemistry and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in molecular medicine at Liberty University, with aspirations to attend Pharmacy School.
GH: What inspired you to start your business/What is your “why”?
ES: The inspiration behind starting Empact Solutions LLC stemmed from retiring early from the military and desiring to contribute to the community. My “why” is to create a tangible impact, foster economic growth by employing local talent, and be a blessing to those around me
GH: What advice would you give to others looking to start/grow their business?
ES: To aspiring entrepreneurs, I advise conducting thorough research to refine your business model and embracing collaboration with other businesses for sustainable growth.