What Does An Entrepreneur at the Helm of a Successful Startup Look Like?

Hold on to your hats ladies!  Even though the wind isn't blowing, you will be blown away happily by the following notion.

Women who’ve embarked on new careers in their 40s, 50s and 60s are among some of the most successful entrepreneurs!

Yes, you read that right.  If you are thinking that you are too old to start a business, guess again.

Just the facts:

“Eighteen-hundred and 21 of you [women entrepreneurs] a day in the United States are building companies,” said Brooks (52.9 years young :-), referring to a 2018 study of business women commissioned by American Express.

She [Brooks] goes on to say:

"It [later stage entrepreneurship] just means that our life experiences have given us more depth, so not only can we be more successful at this age but we can also share with those who need to hear more perspective.”

Read on, power up and get going!

Access to Capital for Women and Entrepreneurs Is Important for Innovation, Economic Growth and Job Creation

22 female entrepreneurs from across the U.S. met in Washington D.C. last week at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Roundtable, hosted by the newly created bipartisan U.S. Senate Caucus on Entrepreneurship, Center for American Entrepreneurship.

"As a female entrepreneur [Tina Tran Neville], I find this extremely disheartening.  My startup, an online English language platform called Lana Learn, seeks to connect with the 2 billion people learning English globally, but with limited access to capital I cannot grow my company to meet demand."

Here's what else Neville had to say after attending the meeting:

While we have long way to go to support access to capital for women and entrepreneurs in general, I did walk away encouraged. I am encouraged by the creation of the U.S. Senate Caucus on Entrepreneurship and the engagement of the senators, staffers, and entrepreneurs in attendance. I am also encouraged by the work that the various organizations did to make the Women’s Entrepreneurship Roundtable a reality: The Center for American Entrepreneurship, The Kauffman Foundation, and startup ecosystems around the country like Create33.

Read more about why 22 female entrepreneurs met in Washington D.C.

"While we have long way to go to support access to capital for women and entrepreneurs in general, I did walk away encouraged." – Tina Tran Neville

What's Happening With Women-Owned Businesses?

Women are increasingly harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit and it is critical to encourage and support this behavior, eliminate obstacles, and facilitate growth of their businesses. Unlocking the potential of women-owned businesses represents a powerful opportunity for economic growth.  These are words to describe the state of women-owned businesses from American Express, Ventureneer and CoreWoman.

The 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, commissioned and provided by American Express, examines the periods 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2018, looking at trends in the number of firms, employment, and revenue by various groupings.

This report focuses on women-owned businesses, which are defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more females. Over the past 46 years, women of all ages have become business owners in droves - from baby boomers and Gen Xers to millennials and younger generations.

Explore the report's findings.  See how you fit in on the grand scheme of things. Oh, and important detail:  the report was prepared for American Express by Ventureneer with the support of CoreWoman.

30-Seconds of Calm for Women Entrepreneurs Brought to You By Laurel J. Delaney

While I was out walking today, I captured this 'bird' moment. You, too, can create your own moment of calm -- every day.  Just remember what Albert Einstein said, "The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind."

Women Entrepreneurs Make Room to Read

Hello ladies and so happy you continue to read our posts here at the Escape From Corporate America blog.  For those who just joined us, last week we shared 5 fantastic podcasts to listen to in your spare time and this week we share 5 great books to read that offer wisdom, motivation and life-changing experience.

Have a happy Saturday and be back with you in a week! Meanwhile, get listening and reading :-)!  That's the only way to stretch yourself and grow your business.

Pressed For Time to Expand Your Learning? Try These 5 Podcasts

Our friend, colleague and queen of small business, Melinda Emerson, shares a great list of 5 podcasts you should listen to if you only have 30-45 minutes.

1. Marketing School
2. Real Money Talks
3. The $100 MBA Show
4. Eventual Millionaire (little longer – 45 minutes)
5. Online Marketing Made Easy (slightly longer – 30-45 minutes)

Melinda's complete article can be found here.

The Fearless Fund for Black Women Entrepreneurs

A $5 million venture capital fund to support startups created by women of color has been launched by Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam.  She has teamed with entrepreneur Arian Simone to make this happen.

“The Fearless fund is designed to change the narrative as it relates to funding allocated to women of color,” says Simone.

Read more about the venture capital fund for black women entrepreneurs.