U.S. Business Women: A Force in the Landscape

06/07/2004

women_history_2

The success of high-potential, women-led companies is critically important to the long-lerm prosperity of America. The Diana Report

At the dawn of the 21st century, American women owned more than 7.7 million firms and represented 40% of businesses operating in the United States. This week the lovely island where I spent a wonderful Memorial Day holiday, will welcome the Group of Eight Summit or the G8. Although clocked in controversy, the goals of the summit are laudable. Economic issues will be part of their agenda. Divas, let's hope that their talks include a few strategies that will help smooth the too often bumpy road of the challenges facing business women.

American business women have been a force in our economic landscape for generations. However, recognition is slow and still has a long way to go baby! But when you're faced with the next client who wants it yesterday or your website hosting fee is due or you just need a break in your day - the Enterprising Women exhibit is a source of inspiration...in cyberspace or, if you're lucky, in real-life. The exhibit brings to life the stories of some 40 intriguing women who helped shape the landscape of American business. The traveling exhibit is a powerful reminder of the contributions made by U.S. women entreprenuers. The saga illustrates, illuminates and personalizes the nation's transformation from an agricultural and household economy to one influenced by industrialization, the rise of big business, the emergence of consumer culture, and the technology revolution.

Story quilt first introduces us to Mary Katherine Goddard, a respected Revolutionary War printer and postmistress, who published the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence. The piece concludes with new economy leaders like Meg Whitman, eBay Inc., Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart Omnimedia and Angie Kim, EqualFooting.com.

Atlanta History Center
July 4, 2003–September 21, 2003

National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, D.C.
October 24, 2003–Febuary 29, 2004

Los Angeles Public Library
May 8, 2004–September 19, 2004

Detroit Historical Museum
October 13, 2004–January 5, 2005

More inspiration? It took over 60 years, but Grandma Dorothy Holterman made her dream of selling her mother's salad dressing come true...at age 85! Grandma's Cool & Zesty. Way to go Grandma! Her story is one of a series of video clips provided by the SBA to women enterpreneurs. Small Business TV also has videos on money, management, marketing, legal, women, authors and Hispanic. http://www.sbtv.com/women.asp >No deep link...drill down:Women/FAMILY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS<

You have a dream. You're inspired. But you need $$$. VC or even angel funding is not easy to find and women are less likely to get a piece of this pie than men. Springboard Enterprises, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating women's access to the equity markets, includes an interesting segment in their events. Fast Pitch : Springboard Enterprises invites a handful of women entrepreneurs to give their 'elevator pitch' to a panel of prominent investors at the end of the day. The Fast Pitch session gives selected entrepreneurs exposure to investors, the opportunity to practice their pitch, direct feedback on their business and access to the community that supports high-growth ventures. re:invention blog has several smart posts and links to venture capital resources.

So Divas put on your fabulous shoes, throw the boa around your shoulds and kick it up high! You can make your dream happen...I'm betting on you that you can do it in less than 60-years!

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Comments

Great post, you Diva! Thanks for the mention. I agree that Springboard Enterprises' Fast Pitch program is a beneficial way for women entrepreneurs to connect with VCs.

Posted by: kirsten on Jun 8, 2004 1:22:44 PM

Will 60 years be enough?
But I agree. Women are much more tenacious in long-lasting hard periods of economy.
So just go!
But please forgive me, that I will not give up my business, though I'm not a woman.

Posted by: Balazs Balint on Feb 21, 2007 4:20:45 PM

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