GIS-Pro 2026

Starting a GIS consulting business can feel like stepping into the unknown: equal parts exciting, unpredictable, and, at times, downright intimidating. In this session, three small business owners will share their personal journeys of building GIS consulting firms from the ground up. Through candid stories, they’ll highlight the real-world challenges they’ve faced, the lessons learned along the way, and the practical strategies that helped them navigate everything from landing clients to managing growth.

Following the presentations, a moderated panel discussion will dive deeper into what it truly takes to start, run, and sustain a GIS consulting practice. The conversation will explore not only the technical and operational aspects of entrepreneurship, but also the less visible side - uncertainty, risk, and fear.

Attendees can expect an honest, grounded discussion about how fear shows up in entrepreneurship and how to work through it without letting it stall progress. Panelists will share practical approaches for building confidence, maintaining momentum, and creating a business that is both sustainable and personally fulfilling. Whether you’re considering going out on your own or looking to grow an existing firm, this session offers real insights from those actively navigating the path.

Keywords: small business, consulting, entrepreneurship, career growth, leadership

Panelists
Judy Colby-George, GISP, Owner/Principal, VIEWSHED, Yarmouth, ME - USA
Other panelists - TBD