PA Conference for Women: Oct. 2

Are you attending the Pennsylvania Conference for Women on October 2? This year's theme is Imagine: Find your purpose, make a difference.

E-magnify is proud to be a Supporting Organization for the conference. Use promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.

Held in Philadelphia, this is the largest women’s conference in the state. The event offers community and connection, information and inspiration, motivation and momentum. In addition to dozens of breakout session speakers, this year's conference will feature the following keynote speakers:

• Barbara Bradley Baekgaard (co-founder of Vera Bradley)
• Charlotte Beers (advertizing mogul & former Undersecretary of State)
• Arianna Huffington (president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group)
•  Tory Johnson (fouunder & CEO, Women for Hire and Spark & Hustle)
• Sonia Sanchez (award winning poet, activist, and scholar)
• Cheryl Strayed (#1 New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Wild)
• Stanford Thompson (musician and educator)

Of special note for E-Magnify readers is the Spark & Hustle Small Business Boot Camp, which will be offered on the day of the Conference at no additional charge. The Boot Camp includes the main conference morning general session, the featured keynote lunch session, as well as specialized breakout sessions focusing on the needs of the small business owner. Breakout sessions will focus on branding, funding, pricing, social media, muscle marketing, public relations, sales and entrepreneurial success.

Learn more about the conference and the business boot camp, and register at www.paconferenceforwomen.org. (Remember to use promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.)

Growing Your Business Passion

If you missed August's SBA web chat about growing your business passion, you can access the archived chat here. This month's web chat was hosted by Martha Ross-Rodgers, co-owner of Rodgers’ Banana Pudding Sauce and one of SBA’s video contest winners for National Small Business Week 2012.

The web chat series from the U.S. Small Business Administration provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs.

D'Imperio's & Macy's Celebrate WBO

 E-Magnify is pleased that D'Imperio's is celebrating 35 years in business with a focus on women-owned and led companies! Join D'Imperio's and Macy's on August 15 for "Accents of Autumn," a creative dressing workshop for the professional woman. 

 

D'Imperio's invites E-Magnify clients and friends to stop by the restaurant during August for a special menu and a free personal loaf of artisan bread and oil dip, homemade in their kitchen.

Report: The State of Women-Owned Businesses

The number of women-owned firms crossing the $1 million threshold has gone up in recent years, reports the Wall Street Journal. But while the number has gone up, the percentage has stayed the same. According to a 2011 report published by American Express OPEN, 1.8% of women-owned firms had $1 million or more in revenues in 2011, which is the same percentage as in 1997.

The study shows the greatest growing pain for women-owned businesses is between $250,000 and $499,000 in annual revenue. The study suggests that at these stages, firms may be struggling with management systems because owners and operators may be transitioning to a chief-executive position.

Read the full article here. 

Money Smart for Small Businesses

A Financial Education Program 

 

Money Smart for Small Business provides an introduction to day-to-day business organization and planning and is written for entrepreneurs with limited or no prior formal business training. It offers practical information that can be applied immediately, while also preparing participants for more advanced training. This program was developed in partnership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Money Smart for Small Business curriculum is free and available online at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html.

Women Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs

According to the U.S. government, women own 30 percent of small businesses. Forty years ago, that number was just 5 percent. Today, women own a total of 7.8 million companies generating $1.2 trillion a year in sales.

StartUp America, the Council on Women and Girls, and the White House Business Council have put together an interactive tool to introduce you to some of the women entrepreneurs who are helping our country succeed. Some of these small business owners are on the cutting edge of social media, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. Others have opened traditional “main street” establishments, such as stores and restaurants. All of them have created jobs, and made their communities better places to work and live. Learn more about the women behind some of the country's 7.8 women-owned businesses.

E-Magnify is proud to spotlight local women entrepreneurs in our Success Stories column. Check them out, and look for new featured entrepreneurs in the coming months.

Entrepreneurship Resources for Military Veterans

A variety of government and non-profit associations offer resources and programs designed to help U.S. military veterans who are interested in launching their own businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has compiled a list of information, tools, and assistance programs for veterans who want to become entrepreneurs. These resources include small business guides, outreach centers, low-interest small business loan programs, and assistance with government contracting and franchising opportunities

According to the latest SBA data, of the 27.1 million non-farm businesses in the U.S., 2.4 million are owned by veterans. Statistics show that the success rate of these veteran-owned businesses is higher than other start-ups – perhaps a reflection of the discipline, skills, and leadership experience acquired in military service.

Learn more about entrepreneurship resources for military veterans.