Factors to Consider Before Starting a Business

According to SCORE, there are currently 9.1 million woman-owned small businesses employing 7.9 million people and generating $1.4 trillion in annual revenue.

From creating jobs to making capital investments and contributing to our local community, women entrepreneurs are an incredible force in today’s economy. As the number of women-owned businesses grows, there are more opportunities for women to succeed in business ventures today than ever before.

Before you start your business, answering the four questions outlined in the following article will make the process smoother, less stressful, and go a long way towards ensuring your business thrives.

Read more:  Four tips for women opening a small business

Women-Owned Businesses Thriving

According to the JournalStar.com, between 2007 and 2016, the number of women-owned firms nationwide increased 45 percent, compared to just a 9 percent increase among all businesses. Nebraska saw a 34.4 percent growth in women-owned firms over the past nine years, placing it 23rd among all states for growth in that area. Nebraska also saw a 12 percent growth in women-owned firm revenue between 2007 and 2016, placing it 46th among all states.

That's why Christy Nelson decided last year to start her own craft studio, one of the first places she looked was at her neighborhood’s business district just west of Union College. A consignment clothing shop had recently closed its doors, and though the retail space was larger than she needed, Nelson decided to consider it.

She opened her shop, Lincoln Craft Studio at 4720 Prescott Ave., in March, making her the newest addition to a business district that has largely become defined by the many female business owners who call it home -- the business district just west of Union College.

Read the entire article:  Enclave of women-owned businesses thriving in College View

Screenshot:  Megan Hasselbalch, owner of Paper Kite (photo credit:  Kristin Streff/Journal Star)

WPO 19th Annual Conference in Baltimore a Huge Success!

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The WPO 19th Annual Conference in Baltimore 2016 was a huge success.  The above photo captures the closing ceremony acknowledging all the WPO staff on a stage.  Big thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the WPO conference a winner, including Betty Hines and her chapter members!

Next year's conference will be held in Orlando, Florida May 4-6, 2017.  Mark your calendar now.

Scaling Your Business For Growth

©Women Presidents' Organization.  All rights reserved.

According to the Women Presidents' Organization, addressing business growth in a highly systematic and strategic way is an important consideration for today's successful women-led and owned companies.

"Scaling for Growth" is the theme of the 2016 Women Presidents' Organization Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD on April 7 – 9 at the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott. From growing a brand to effective crisis management and the power of disruptive business ideas, the three-day conference offers total immersion in important aspects of scalable growth.

I'll be there.  Will you?

Read more:  Successful Women Entrepreneurs From Around the World Focus On How to Scale Their Businesses For Growth