In the Lead: Best Women Owned Businesses 2026
We are proud to share that Forge Search was recognized as one of the Best Women-Owned Businesses in South Carolina, In The Lead. This recognition is for “accomplished companies owned by women that demonstrate excellence across a broad spectrum of criteria.
The businesses highlighted in this section are contributing in many ways to the economic success we see in our state.
The challenges facing women-owned businesses are well documented. Persistent stereotypes lead to invidious discrimination. The old-boy network protects its members. Access to capital can be limited. Competing demands often create self-doubt.
The companies you will learn about in this section succeed despite these odds. They thrive on some or on many levels — growth in the marketplace; high employee morale; strong community engagement; innovation and product breakthroughs. Perhaps they are trailblazers in a sector traditionally dominated by male-owned companies.
This list was compiled by SCBIZ’s editorial leadership team based in part on recommendations from the community as well as our own internal research.
To quality for recognition, a company must be entirely or substantially owned by a woman, or women, and based in South Carolina. It can be a franchise or subsidiary of a national company as long as the local operation is women-owned.
Please join us in congratulating the businesses we honor here. We hope you enjoy the profiles of these companies and their unique stories.”
Forge Search + Consulting
Forge Search + Consulting is a professional recruiting firm headquartered in Greenville that specializes in accounting, finance, sales, marketing and leadership roles. Founded on a people-first philosophy, the firm has operated for five years and grown to a team of six.
Rhiannon Poore, CEO, leads the 100% women-owned business with a focus on pairing empathy with excellence. Under her leadership, the firm grew revenue from $1,323,829 in 2023 to $2,109,645 in 2024. Poore builds her team around potential rather than pedigree and prioritizes flexibility, trust, and accountability — particularly for working mothers.
Beyond the firm’s day-to-day operations, Poore mentors women in leadership and actively supports women-led businesses and leadership initiatives throughout the community. She views building the company as an opportunity to demonstrate that strong values and strong business performance are not mutually exclusive — and to show others, including her own children, that perseverance through difficult seasons is possible.
Full link of article: https://scbiz.com/women-owned-businesses-2026/ and https://scbiz.com/forge-search-consulting-2026/