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. 

Computer Security Workshops

Small businesses around the country can take advantage of free computer security workshops to help strengthen their information security, determine their readiness against security breaches, and safeguard their business information from computer attacks.

These workshops are being presented by U.S. Small Business Administration, Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s InfraGard.

Small business owners will learn how to protect themselves from intentional attacks or unintentional damage, guard themselves from decreased productivity caused by security breaches and evaluate the needed security tools and techniques. Participants will also learn useful and practical steps to take to protect their business’ operations.

Although no workshops are scheduled locally for Pennsylvania, several are scheduled to take place in Ohio  in September.

For additional information, including dates and locations, please visit http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/sbc/workshops.html.

This Friday (6/22/12): Federal Procurement Seminar

Join E-Magnify this Friday morning (June 22) for an important program: A free federal procurement seminar presented in collaboration with Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Date: June 22, 2012

Registration: 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Program: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Seton Hill University, 
Cecilian Hall,
 1 Seton Hill Drive
, Greensburg, PA 15601 

Cost: Free

 

The seminar will include information regarding the Women Owned Small Business Procurement Program and 8(a) Certification Programs, how to identify business opportunities that are available to women-owned and other small businesses, registration requirements, and subcontracting opportunities. The draft agenda currently includes presentations by General Services Administration (GSA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and small business owners who will share their experiences with regard to federal government contracts.



Please join us to learn more about the federal procurement process and how you can do business with the federal government. A panel discussion will provide an overview of procurement assistance available, followed by an opportunity for networking with agencies and institutions that offer specialized resources.

There is no fee to attend this seminar, but registration is required.

For more information, please contact Debra Mason at 724-830-4614.
 

Thanks to the following Program Partners: Allegheny County Department for Minority, Women, & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; California University of PA / PTAC; Diversity Business Resource Center; Johnstown Area Regional Industries PTAC; PA Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities; PIC of Westmoreland/Fayette PTAC; Southwest PA Commission PTAC; U.S. Small Business Administration; and Western PA Minority Supplier Development.

Capabilities Statement Briefing

Date: June 28, 2012

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Location: California University of PA, Convocation Center 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419

Sponsored by: Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), PTAC of California University of PA Government Contracting Assistance Center (GCAC), PTAC of Slippery Rock University of PA

A Capability Statement is a marketing tool designed to highlight your company's experience, expertise, resources, and the products or services that you provide. This document tells potential customers who you are, what you do ,and how you are different from your competitors. Many government agencies require a Capability Statement be included when responding to solicitations, sources sought notifications, and Request for Information (RFI). It is important to create one that stands apart from your competitors.

At this free briefing, Ray Vargo and Dana Mattern will discuss the importance of a capability statement, key elements to include, and what companies or agencies look for when reviewing one. Learn more and register for this free event here.