Women Owned Businesses

Are Small Firms Important? Their Role and Impact proposes and supports the claim that small firms make two indispensable contributions to the economy. First, they are an integral part of the renewal process that pervades market economies. New and small firms play a crucial role in experimentation and innovation that leads to technological change, productivity and economic growth. Second, small firms are the essential mechanism by which millions enter the economic and social mainstream of American society. The public policy implications for sustained economic growth and social well-being is the continued high-level creation of new and small firms by all segments of society. It should be the role of government policy to facilitate that process by eliminating entry barriers, lowering transaction costs, and minimizing regulation.

Most books on women entrepreneurs are either popular accounts of successful business women who started their own firms, or how-to books on the process of starting a business written for the woman reader. This current study brings together scholars with extensive experience in the entrepreneurship literature who also work with women starting new business ventures. The contributors here follow the entrepreneurial process--from concept development, through expansion, growth, and transitions to an established business. Among the topics covered are: networking among women entrepreneurs, business growth, financing, the role of the trustees, and changing the direction of a business's operations. A valuable appendix lists sources of advisory and financial assistance to the woman entrepreneur. The topics covered are the issues that any business faces, but the authors bring into perspective the woman entrepreneur and some of the unique problems she faces as the owner and operator of her business. The book begins with a description of the paths that lead women in the workplace to businesses of their own. This includes a summary of current research on women entrepreneurs as well as studies of the problems related to balancing family and business, developing the business plan, and managing the business now and in the future. This is followed by a focus on the creative process and how it relates to developing a viable business concept. The contributors examine the issues surrounding the financing of entrepreneurially-driven companies owned and operated by women. They further discuss the methods by which women in business can expand their management capabilities; the practical use of a working board of directors, and the importance of networking. Finally, the book explores the succession process in relation to entrepreneurs, their organizations, and successors. A closing summary looks at those issues yet to be resolved but likely to affect women-owned businesses in the future.

Want to take control of your life? Want to trade in that listless job and create the company you’ve always dreamed of? Millions of new businesses are started each year, from online diamond dealers to part-time “pet projects” to the latest franchises. StartupNation is all about putting you in the driver’s seat to start your own business. Jeff and Rich Sloan are lifelong entrepreneurs who have created dozens of successful businesses and have guided and advised thousands of others through their nationally syndicated radio talk show, on their Web site, and in their weekly online newsletter. In StartupNation, the Sloan Brothers examines every aspect of smart entrepreneurship and help you create the business you've always dreamed of. You'll learn about the dos and don'ts and the highs and lows of building your own business through the Sloan's in-the-trenches insights and the inspirational tales of over thirty other gutsy entrepreneurs. Among the stories you'll read about: • The Sloans' own patented invention, the Battery Buddy®, which generated more than $1 million in royalties • Lavetta Willis, who built Dada Footwear into a fashion brand that now produces sneakers worn by NBA basketball stars • Tom Nardone, who created the booming ShopInPrivate.com, where people can order items they’re embarrassed to buy at the local drugstore. StartupNation presents a master course in identifying a good idea, building the right kind of business around it, and avoiding the pitfalls that can derail you. If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing your own business, StartupNation will be your most powerful resource.

This hilarious, touching debut novel by Aaron Foley, author of How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass, follows three Black gay millennial men looking for love, friendship, and professional success in the Motor City.  Sud

Women-owned firms represent an increasingly important segment of the small business sector. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 7.8 million women-owned firms in the United States in 2007, generating $1.2 trillion in revenues and providing employment for 7.6 million people. A Rising Tide presents the financial strategies that have helped today's bold and creative women entrepreneurs to succeed. The authors take a "lifecycle approach" in discussing the issues and strategies for different types of women-owned firms, from nascent and home-based firms to growth-oriented and technology-based enterprises. Each chapter includes real-world cases studies featuring women entrepreneurs as a way to bring the book's lessons to life. Uniquely, this book ties together the latest research on financing women-owned businesses and its implications for actual or potential entrepreneurs. Drawing on the Kauffman Firm Survey, a longitudinal survey of over 4,000 new firms, the authors are able to provide particularly useful conclusions, making this a must read for the thousands of women who are starting or may start businesses in the next few years. Please visit www.kauffman.org/sketchbook.aspx?VideoId=1699151957001&type=M to view the book trailer.

"American women are starting businesses at nearly twice the rate that men are, but only three percent of female business owners have revenues of over one million dollars. Most women entrepreneurs are stuck at the 'mom and pop' level, just getting by, or in many cases, running out of cash. Julia Pimsleur shares her ... story of building her own company and raising millions in capital in a guide for women like her who have a great idea and need to find the resources to take it into the big leagues"--

Start a successful business mid-life When you think of someone launching a start-up, the image of a twenty-something techie probably springs to mind. However, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are just as likely to start businesses and reinvent themselves later in life. Never Too Old to Get Rich is an exciting roadmap for anyone age 50+ looking to be their own boss and launch their dream business. This book provides up-to-date resources and guidance for launching a business when you're 50+. There are snappy profiles of more than a dozen successful older entrepreneurs, describing their inspirational journeys launching businesses and nonprofits, followed by Q&A conversations, and pull-out boxes containing action steps. The author walks you through her three-part fitness program: guidelines for becoming financially fit, physically fit, and spiritually fit, before delving more deeply into how would-be entrepreneurs over 50 can succeed. • Describes how you can find capital to start your own business • Offers encouraging stories of real people who have become their own bosses and succeeded as entrepreneurs • Written by PBS Next Avenue’s entrepreneur expert, Kerry Hannon • Teaches you how to start your own business Never Too Old to Get Rich is the ideal book for older readers looking to pursue new business ventures later in life.