SHE Adores Being An Entrepreneur

Christy Bieber has been running her own small business for over a decade now. She has grown her company over time, and there are many things SHE adores about being an entrepreneur. 

But there are also some downsides to being solely in control of her earnings and daily business operations.

Read on to learn more (ignore the last alert part – seems like a subtle pitch).

Who Is the Good Entrepreneur?

There is a bias against which women cannot compete in a marketplace. You can’t change anything if you are systematically ignored. When I [Marian Spier, serial entrepreneur, founder of TEDxAmsterdamWomen, CEO of FEM-START, and social impact & cultural strategist] started, my motto was: beat the system. Soon I discovered that is an impossible task. Now my motto is: create the system. 

The bias Marian refers to includes investors associating a “good entrepreneur” with masculine characteristics. “People would rather invest in a young man who bluffs and says: in two years I’ll turn two million in sales, rather than in a woman who turns one million in two years and can live up to that and substantiate her figures well.”

Sound all too familiar?  Read on to learn how Marian wants to make it easier for women worldwide to access networks.

Spend Time and Energy Supporting Other Female Business Owners

I could not agree more.

The idea may seem counterintuitive when one is working so hard to build their own business. How would spending time and energy supporting other female business owners help me? I am over here struggling to stay above water or maybe I have just hit my stride in business, I can’t afford any distractions.

This woman business owner walks you through how investing in fellow females directly impacted the success of her own business at every stage.

Come up for air.  Shift the focus (from all about you) to women around you.  Who needs your help?  Reach out to assist.   We all win. 

Buy From a Black Woman Entrepreneur

H&M is committed to using its platform to promote economic inclusion and spark growth for Black women entrepreneurs, because when their businesses flourish, entire communities thrive," Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion and diversity for H&M Region Americas said in a statement. 

She goes on to say:  “Nikki Porcher has been instrumental in elevating these incredible businesses, ensuring they are poised for long-term success, and we are proud to stand with her and Buy From a Black Woman to make lasting change.”

Learn more about an event they are hosting today, July 8, 2023 in Charlotte, NC.  The multi-city, pop-up shopping event highlights local Black women businesses, rallies communities to shop local vendors and serves as a networking opportunity for business owners.

Take Advantage of Every Funding Opportunity, Including SBA Loans

Although female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses have been on the rise in the country, the disparities — especially for minority women — within the American workforce are still stark compared to male and male and female-owned businesses. Here are some statistics on women-owned businesses: 

• 22 percent of employer firms were owned by women.
• 48 percent of nonemployer firms — meaning the business had no employees — are owned by women.
• Women-owned businesses are more likely to rely on funds from personal sources, such as family and friends and savings.
• 32 percent of women-owned businesses were zero to two years old versus 16 percent of male-owned businesses. 
• Women-owned businesses make up 42 percent of all businesses in the U.S.
• Globally, women account for roughly one in three of all high-growth entrepreneurs.

In 2022, 63 percent of women entrepreneurs surveyed said they expect revenue to increase in the upcoming year and 47 percent plan to expand their business. 

Learn more about how the SBA helps women overcome financial barriers and fulfill their dreams, making it a good place to begin your search for funding.

Invest In Women Entrepreneurs Is a Smart Business Decision

Ecem Altıok is Investment Director at Yıldız Ventures, Gözde Tech Ventures, and Yıldız Holding, where she oversees Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investment and portfolio management activities, was recently asked:  Why do you think it is important to invest in women entrepreneurs?

Investing in women entrepreneurs is not only a matter of gender equality but also a smart business decision. Women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills to the table. They often identify market gaps and consumer needs that may have been overlooked, leading to innovative business ideas and solutions. It also has a multiplier effect, as women tend to invest back into their communities, creating job opportunities and driving social impact. By supporting women-led businesses, we contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Overall, investing in women entrepreneurs is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic investment that can yield substantial returns and foster economic empowerment for women.

Read the entire interview here.

How to Overcome Obstacles as Women Entrepreneurs

Overcoming obstacles is key to being a successful female entrepreneur.  Unequal access to capital is a significant obstacle for female entrepreneurs, but it is just one of many unique challenges faced.

Here are four tips – a deeper dive – to help you navigate challenges, foster resilience and thrive in business.

1. Build a support network
2. Own accomplishments
3. Create work/life balance
4. Overcome self-doubt

To read the entire article, which includes funding options, federal contracts, business loans, and alternative financing, visit here.

Grameen America Helps Low-Income Women Business Owners With Loan Capital and Credit-Building

Grameen America is the fastest growing nonprofit microfinance organization in the United States. Atlanta is the 25th U.S. city where the fund has set up operations. The new Grameen America Atlanta office is being funded through partnerships with The Studio@Blue Meridian, Truist Foundation, Investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith and Regions Bank which donated $1million. 

What does Grameen America do?

Grameen America provides low-income women business owners with loan capital, financial education, asset- and credit-building, and peer support. Since 2008, Grameen America has reached more than 170,000 women living in underserved communities across the United States and recently achieved a record milestone of investing over $3 billion in capital to emerging entrepreneurs. The organization’s repayment rate is over 99% and its members have achieved an average credit score of 653 through participation in the program.

Atlanta is known for its strong women entrepreneur base, so it was a natural that the organization would eventually set up shop here. The fund started making inroads into the metro area in June 2022.

Learn more about the plans for Grameen America and women entrepreneurs. 

Books. Biometrics. Beauty Products. Women Continue To Break Records in Entrepreneurship

These 100 female entrepreneurs, executives and entertainers made their fortunes in every conceivable way.  But hard work was the real underlying strength that got them to where they are today. 

Bolstered in part by a rebound in the stock market, they are cumulatively worth a record $124 billion, up nearly 12% from a year ago. Building supply distributor Diane Hendricks remains No. 1 for the sixth year in a row, with a $15 billion net worth. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes and Insitro CEO Daphne Koller, whose firm is using AI to develop drugs more quickly, are among the eight newcomers.

Check out these self-made women who are taking the world by storm. 

Know Someone Where Time Doesn't Exist When You Are Together?

Excuse me, have we met before?  This encountering could occur with a person on a bus, at the gym, or picking up a coffee at Starbucks when time stops or seems endless when you meet. That specialness is a sign that perhaps you are picking up from a past life.

At some point, we’ve all met someone that impacts us on a far deeper level than we ever could have imagined. Understanding how to tell if you know someone from a past life could explain why you feel so drawn to a specific person. It will even shine a light on the relationship dynamics you share with them now.

Read on for 11 Signs You Know Someone From a Past Life (& That You’re Picking Up Where You Left Off).

If you believe in reincarnation, you know the soul continues beyond death.

If You Want to Get Something Done, Use Your Ecosystem

Interest rates are rising, banks are failing, there’s high inflation, and a dynamic of low unemployment and layoffs. The economy is different than a couple of years ago, and venture capital firms are slowing their funding. 

Companies solely founded by women receive less than 3% of all venture capital investments, and women account for less than 15% of checkwriters, according to PitchBook. 

Yet there is still a glimmer of hope.  The key is having a business that can scale and is durable, one that could survive a recession if it happens.  And, it helps to access and use your ecosystem.  Some examples are the Women Presidents Organization, Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® and Women Elevating Women.

Learn more about how you can get one step closer to your entrepreneurial goals.  Spoiler alert:  It's not easy.

Best Tips (21) For Women Entrepreneurs

To help women entrepreneurs who are starting new businesses, AllBusiness asked female entrepreneurs and founders to share advice that helped them—or that they wish they'd known—when they started their own entrepreneurial journey.

They shared the following tips:

1. Cultivate powerful storytelling
2. Bring a new perspective
3. Find a purpose
4. Know that you are in control
5. Stop discriminating against yourself
6. Hire employees who share your passion and vision
7. Get out of the hourly rate mentality
8. Surround yourself with supportive people
9. Maintain authenticity 
10. Develop a support network
11. Ensure you have work-life balance
12. Overcome imposter syndrome
13. Don't underestimate the power of community
14. Seek female-friendly investors
15. Stay true to your values
16. Build a strong support system
17. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
18. Grow a strong local network 
19. Develop the right mindset
20. Don't sell yourself short
21.  Realize the power of emotional intelligence

Read the entire article here.

Put Yourself Out There

To run a business, “you have to be willing to put yourself out there,” Julia Broome, owner of Kin Southern Table + Bar recently told The Herald. “You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and speak, live, eat (and) breathe your brand.”

The Herald spoke with three women who own and run businesses about the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship.

Path to Liberation: Entrepreneurship

Many people celebrate the impressive volume of Black women launching and running businesses.

JPMorgan Chase found that “[t]he number of businesses owned by Black women grew 50% from 2014 to 2019, representing the highest growth rate of any female demographic. Black females accounted for 42% of all women who opened a new business during that time and represented 36% of all Black employers.”

But what is seldom discussed about black women entrepreneurs:  Why are they starting the businesses?

According to this article, black women are leaving workplaces in record numbers due to racism, sexism, and an inability to bridge pay disparities between white men and white women.

As the article states at the end:  "Our workplaces need seismic shifts in policy, structures and society – shifts that specifically see and center Black women. Companies should not assume what Black women need; they should engage with us to co-create self-determinate solutions. In other words, ask Black women what we need, and be prepared to offer it."

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©2023 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Foster Inclusion, Embrace Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, and Cultivate a Community

Women are just as likely as men to succeed as entrepreneurs when starting similar businesses in similar industries. Unfortunately, they face formidable barriers to accessing enabling resources and are constantly up against harmful stereotypes.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative strives to level an uneven playing field by recognizing that talent is universal but opportunity is not. Our program supports women impact entrepreneurs in scaling their up-and-running businesses, especially beyond national borders.

These remarks are from Wingee Sampaio, global program director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. 

Decorate Your Space to Feel As Good As the Season

Oh so many cute things here.  Spring is full of bright colors, floral blooms, sundresses, and of course, Easter! Decorating your space to feel as good as the season can really boost spirits, so now's the perfect time to start your Easter decor search – it's never too late.

Get ready to shop springtime with these 23 ideas to liven up your space this season.  Happy Easter!

Advocate For Yourself

Four women entrepreneurs are leading the way in their respective fields, encouraging other women to advocate for themselves and, in some cases, helping the environment and breaking barriers in the process.

A couple of inspiring quotes by them:

• “Release all judgment and dream big."
• “You are already worthy. You deserve to have the same valuations as your male founder counterparts.”
• “Our main message is to carve out space to do the things that support us in our daily lives – the cornerstones of being, eating and resting."
• “Don’t be afraid to be your most authentic self, no matter how scary it may seem."

Check out their stories here.

Go Into the Entrepreneur World Without Any Fear

Over 11 million U.S. businesses are owned by women, generating $1.7 trillion in sales, according to the National Association of Women Business Owners.  Yet women in business are often overlooked or overshadowed as the number of women only tells part of the story.

These numbers don't tell the whole story. Women entrepreneurs are still in the minority, although times have evolved. The theme for 2023's International Women's Month "#EmbraceEquity", is just the start of shedding light to some of the fight women face in a male- dominant area.

Read on to learn how women-owned businesses have influenced the way the globe does business and why other women are deciding to go into the entrepreneur world without any fear.

How to Generate $7.8 Million In Revenue in 12 Hours

According to Launchmetrics, which measures the monetary value of media marketing strategies, Rihanna's Fenty line generated $7.8 million in the first 12 hours after her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance.

We are not superstar Rihanna with her tremendous social following but we can learn from her on how she markets herself and her brand – seizing on opportunity every chance she can get.

Since the start of the pandemic, women, particularly women of color, have become the leading drivers of business creation in the U.S. In 2020 and 2021, women accounted for 49 percent of new business launches, according to a study by Gusto, a human resources software company, compared to 42 percent for men in 2021. 

Bet on yourself.  Start a business.  Become an entrepreneur. Create your own destiny.  The world awaits.