According to 2024 Statistics from the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy, women own more than 12 million small businesses across the country and employ over 10.7 million workers. These businesses contribute massively to the economy, producing nearly 2 trillion in total sales annually.
However, challenges for female business leaders and entrepreneurs continue including struggles to secure funding, fewer opportunities for mentoring/networking, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and gender bias.
In an effort to provide a tool for women business leaders and future owners in both the Greater Lansing area and around the state, Foster Swift launched a monthly podcast: Businesswomen Talking. Hosted by business attorneys, Amanda Dernovshek and Lindsey Mead, this podcast discusses a number of legal topics that can pose hinderances for business owners such as succession planning, IP protection and entity selection/organization.
Each episode features a special guest, a local business owner or leader sharing their personal experiences such as how they got started, difficulties they have faced along the way and other insight. Each podcast recording is available below. Also available below are FAQs about Women-Owned Business Certification and other resources:
Podcast Episodes
- Episode 1 - Intro
- Episode 2 - Julie Holton
- Episode 3
Resources
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For more information on these women-owned business certifications, consult the following websites:
- WBENC Certification: https://www.wbenc.org/certification/
- WOSB and EDWOSB Certification: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program