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Tonya McNeal-Weary: Winner – Women Leader in Global Business Development & SME Empowerment | International Women Awards 2026

  • Writer: Great Companies
    Great Companies
  • May 31
  • 3 min read

The 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies celebrates women leaders who are creating global impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformational leadership.


Among this year’s distinguished winners is Tonya McNeal-Weary, Founder & Managing Director of IBS Global Consulting, Inc., honored as Winner – Women Leader in Global Business Development & SME Empowerment.


Based in Detroit, USA, Tonya has built an internationally recognized consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, SMEs, institutions, and governments unlock opportunities in global markets through strategic advisory, capacity building, and entrepreneurship development.


Company Overview

Founder: Tonya McNeal-Weary

Business: IBS Global Consulting, Inc.

Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Founded: 2009

Category: Global Business Development & SME Empowerment

Industry: International Management Consulting


Empowering Businesses to Compete on the Global Stage

IBS Global Consulting is an international management consulting firm specializing in:

  • Global business development

  • International market entry

  • SME capacity building

  • Entrepreneurship education

  • Trade and investment facilitation

  • Institutional development and advisory services

The company works with:

  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

  • Government agencies

  • Universities

  • Chambers of commerce

  • Development organizations

  • International institutions

Its mission is clear:

To equip organizations with the strategies, cultural intelligence, and market knowledge needed to succeed across international borders.


Building Bridges Between Local Businesses and Global Opportunities

What distinguishes IBS Global Consulting is its unique combination of:

  • International business expertise

  • Cultural intelligence

  • Entrepreneurship development

  • Inclusive economic growth strategies


Unlike traditional consulting firms, IBS Global Consulting focuses heavily on helping businesses successfully navigate emerging and frontier markets.


Key differentiators include:

  • Active presence across 30+ countries

  • Deep expertise in trade and investment promotion

  • Specialized SME development programs

  • Strong cross-cultural execution capabilities

  • Long-standing relationships with international institutions and stakeholders


The firm believes:

Global growth is not just about entering new markets—it is about understanding people, cultures, and opportunities.


From Vision to a Globally Recognized Consultancy

Over the past two decades, Tonya has transformed IBS Global Consulting from a startup venture into a globally respected consulting organization.

Today, the company:

  • Operates across four continents

  • Maintains partnerships in more than 30 countries

  • Has supported thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide

  • Delivers consulting and training programs across international markets

Her achievements include:

  • Developing more than 50 entrepreneurship and economic development programs

  • Supporting over 2,500 entrepreneurs

  • Empowering more than 300 youth participants

  • Helping SMEs secure international partnerships and contracts

  • Building a global consulting team spanning multiple countries and cultures


Advancing Inclusive Economic Development

A defining aspect of Tonya’s work is her commitment to creating opportunities for underserved communities and entrepreneurs.

Through IBS Global Consulting and its education division, Think Global Training Academy, she has helped:

  • Entrepreneurs develop international growth strategies

  • Institutions build capacity and leadership capability

  • Women-owned businesses access new markets

  • Organizations strengthen cross-cultural competence


Her work consistently focuses on:

Expanding access to global opportunities for those who have historically been excluded from them.


Overcoming Barriers and Leading with Purpose

Tonya’s journey was not without challenges.

As a woman operating in the traditionally male-dominated fields of:

  • International business

  • Economic development

  • Global consulting

she often faced skepticism and barriers that required her to continually prove her expertise and credibility.

Rather than allowing those experiences to limit her ambitions, she used them as motivation to:

  • Build a globally respected enterprise

  • Create opportunities for other women entrepreneurs

  • Advocate for inclusive leadership and economic participation

Her story is a powerful example of turning obstacles into opportunities.


Leadership Philosophy: Think Global, Lead with Purpose

Tonya’s leadership philosophy is built on:

  • Vision-driven growth

  • Cultural intelligence

  • Inclusive economic development

  • Strategic partnerships

  • Lifelong learning


She believes:

Sustainable success comes from creating value not only for businesses but also for communities, economies, and future generations.


Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Tonya shares a powerful message for aspiring women leaders:

"Stay focused, stay in the room, and refuse to let a difficult season become a permanent exit."

She emphasizes:

  • Perseverance through adversity

  • Confidence in your expertise

  • Long-term commitment to your vision

  • Transforming setbacks into stepping stones


Her message is clear:

The women who build lasting impact are those who choose to keep moving forward despite challenges.


The Future

IBS Global Consulting is focused on:

  • Expanding international market development initiatives

  • Strengthening SME growth ecosystems worldwide

  • Advancing entrepreneurship education

  • Supporting inclusive economic development across emerging markets

  • Building stronger cross-border partnerships and trade opportunities


The vision is to create:

A world where businesses of every size can access the expertise, networks, and opportunities needed to compete globally.


Official Recognition

Tonya McNeal-Weary has been honored as the Winner – Women Leader in Global Business Development & SME Empowerment at the 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies, recognizing her contribution to international business growth, entrepreneurship development, and inclusive economic empowerment.



About the Awards

The International Women Awards by Great Companies celebrates women leaders who are driving innovation, impact, and excellence across industries worldwide.


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