Women and Business
Women and Business
By: Kathy Spitzer, Esq.
Small businesses contribute greatly to the American economy by serving as an essential mechanism by which many Americans access the American Dream. By creating opportunities for women, minorities, and immigrants, small business helps millions enter the economic and social mainstream. By providing new ideas, small firms also act as agents of change.
A. Small firms are about the prospects for the future, not the repetition of the past. They embrace change and competition. Yet the innovativeness of small firms and their ability to explore new technologies is surprising since often they are resource poor, have small research and development budgets and limited manpower. Community networks can help small firms overcome their limited resources. They often rely on regional knowledge for important inputs into the innovation process. Through this process of accessing and sharing knowledge with other firms in their geographic area, small businesses help the circulation and building of these regional networks. The networks then also serve as word of mouth advertising. If they respect each other, they refer each other.
Approximately 50 years ago women made up less than 26 percent of the workforce (and they were mostly secretaries, nurses, and teachers). But regulatory events such as the Civil Rights Act in 1978, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1975, and the Affirmative Action Act in 1978, opened up business ownership to women. At that same time, the role of women in society began to change. As more women successfully created, managed, and grew companies, their achievements became noticed by the media and government. Women’s business groups such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the National Foundation for Women Business Owners (NFWBO) were founded. Since the 1970s, women’s share of small business has increased dramatically. New technology and increased access have had a profound effect on women owned businesses. Women are now, more than ever, able to contribute to a growing economy without sacrificing as many family priorities.
The flexibility of setting one’s own hours, combined with the passion of doing something for love as well as profit, has proven an appealing recipe for women. For a lot of woman choosing a business means figuring out what you care about â?? what youâ??d like to do. Women tend to want to do what makes them happy, rather than just what makes them money. And doing what you love leads to its own successes.
A. The number of female owned businesses (a business where women own 51 percent or more of the company) has grown 20 percent between 1997 and 2002. This is larger than the growth of male owned businesses â?? up only 16 percent. The Census Bureau conducted a survey in 2002 of 1.9 million business owners. The report identified 6.5 million businesses that were female-owned and 2.7 million firms where ownership was divided between men and women.
How do these women get started? The number and types of funding options available for women is as great as it has ever been, especially in Nevada. Nevada Microenterprise Initiative distributes Small Business Association (SBA) loans of $500 to $25,000 for typical business purposes. Southern Nevada CDC hosts the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership which assists individuals with opening a business through classes and seminars. The SBA 7a Loan Guarantee Program allows approved business owners to go to banks with a guarantee from the SBA behind them.
One big advantage to start ups right now is the sheer volume of information available to entrepreneurs. Technology has made data gathering simple and quick.
This includes data on loans and loan help available to women. But proving that a company is woman owned can be a daunting process, not only when it comes to loans. Be sure your business truly is female owned before you try to take advantage of any special treatment. The voice of small business is increasingly becoming a female one, with female entrepreneurs generating billions. If you have a passion, go for it! There is lots of support out there. For more information please visit www.successdna.com and www.corporatedirect.com .
Kathy Spitzer, Esq.
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/women-and-business-93085.html
Comments
women business…???
well u know how there are all sorts of businesses where guys can get into nd become rich nd not even go to college for example like constructing nd becoming the head guy of it or interenet businesses selling things.. is there anything like that out there for women???, if there is plz plz plz tell me.. appreciation to everyone.. nd plz no dumb answers that'll waste my time and yours thnx:)
Other than being a male model, women can do pretty much any job that a man can do.
References :
Ever girl loves scented candles – http://www.candlewealth.com or take a deeper look at http://www.cwlight.net/maggieslighthouse
References :
I start with the concept on the first of the month because I liked it so much —Good Luck …
Hi,
I would suggest first to look into your hobbies. This coud actually become a profitable business. I would love to give you more advice, but i don't really know your circumstances. If you do not have money to start a business, then think of services. Services do not require much capital. But think what would you like to do. If you like computers, you can set up a small office in the corner of your room, and think of offering computer cleaning services. Many organizations have plenty of PC's and, honestly, they look horrible. Offering the company your services, making them an offer for monthly cleaning, might just be the right thing for them Don't forget to emphasise the features and benefits of your service and that a well mantained PC would live longer, saving them money.
There are other area of services you could think of, but try to start with something YOU would do yourself. Start with introductory offers, advertise, set appointments and visit the companies, send them follow-up letters. Results will come in 2 – 3 months. NEVER EXPECT immediate answers. Most failures in business are in the first 6 months when the entrepreneur becomes "depressed". Head up. Keep faith. Make a plan. Follow it. The success in business is CONFIDENCE in YOUR powers. Now, think of what could you bring new in the service industry. Or maybe what could you do better and / or cheaper then others. Write down. Good luck
References :
Leave a Comment