Women business leaders are taking a proactive approach to educating themselves on the financial requirements, bid process and political aspects of business developments.
Women business owners are a unique breed-with characteristics that are both consistent and contradictory-and the business world is taking notice. On one hand, they may be strong and courageous in negotiating a business agreement with a client, yet subdued when dealing with a banker for a loan. Firm when dealing with a non-responsive supplier, then gentle with an employee trying hard to learn a new role. Understated in the limelight of recognition, while outgoing and energetic in business networking settings. These traits are helping women business owners fuel our economic growth-locally and nationally.
Women are creating work environments based on teamwork and collaboration, where knowledge sharing is emphasized in order to achieve high productivity. These woman leaders are fueling our economy-generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues from an estimate of over 8.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States-that means 8,345,600. It is interesting to note that the traits of these women are underlined by their drive and commitment to succeed, regardless of the obstacles.
For many business owners, the obstacles remain the same, regardless of gender-access to capital, bonding capacity, limited bidding opportunities and influence. These challenges are slowly being overcome as women actively seek out education and political clout. Women business leaders are taking a proactive approach to educating themselves on the financial requirements, bid process, and political aspects of business development.
At the local level, women-owned businesses are increasing in numbers. This is evident, as the local chapter of the National Association of Women Owned Businesses (NAWBO) has grown in membership. The Indianapolis chapter recently became the second largest chapter in the nation, only behind the Los Angeles chapter by a few dozen. As women business owners seek new and innovative ways to grow and increase their economic impact, NAWBO provides the avenue to influence through business advocacy and business development. Through collaborative seminars, bid previews and information sharing, members of NAWBO-Indianapolis are positioning their businesses for growth. In addition, they are increasingly participating in the political process through PACs, driving the message to our legislatures that women-owned businesses are a voice to be heard.
Women leaders in Indiana have leveraged strong position and are now represented at the national level by Billie Dragoo, as a member of the executive board of directors for NAWBO. In her role, Billie is able to influence national policy through her participation in Washington, D.C., Small Business Association (SBA) summits and regular Capitol Hill meetings with our legislators. The drive and tenacity of our NAWBO members keeps women business owners in the forefront to ensure access to business opportunities for women-owned businesses.
Women represent a breed of business owners whose influence is evident. With their persistence and commitment, they are poised to propel our State and our Nation on to greater economic growth-and our nation is taking note.
Kathleen G. Cabello, MBA, is president of Cabello Associates, a full-service marketing consultancy in Indianapolis.
