The U.S. Small Business Administration that sponsors SCORE (counselors to America's small businesses) reported there were more than 10.6 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. in 2004. Women-owned firms now account for nearly 50% of all businesses.
Out of those women-owned businesses, about 4 million are home-based. About 50% of small business counseling by SCORE counselors in San Diego County is done for women,the majority of whom have home-based businesses.
Starting a home-based business is useful for many women with family and child care issues. However, it is important to get out of the home and participate in business events that provide the appropriate contacts and networking opportunities. However, some businesses need large networking groups such as Chambers of Commerce which also provide an arena for networking with both genders for future growth.
SCORE-San Diego not only offers basic education workshops on many business topics, but monthly Women's Business Roundtable Breakfast meetings in which women have an opportunity to meet and network on a more personal basis, especially for beginners. This way, they learn what resources are available to them and how to do business in a non-threatening manner. Women SCORE counselors are always present to share information, guidance and support to women attending the breakfast and women speakers who understand what it is like to start a business and make business contacts are also on hand.
Many women think SCORE counselors will tell them what business they should enter into. This isn't the case. You must ask yourself the questions and research the information that tells you what would be the best business choice; questions such as:
What have I done well in the past that I could do from home that people would buy or pay me to do?
Have I taken any business courses such as bookkeeping, computers, and management?
What are my family's needs and do those needs interfere with the time it takes to dedicate to a business?
Do I have space and equipment for a home-office?
Am I willing to speak out at meetings and introduce myself in front of a group of men and women?
More information as well as workshop and Breakfast registration details are available on the SCORE website, www.score-sandiego.org or at workshops. Willeen Hasler will be the April 21 breakfast speaker on "Creatively Market a Home-Based Business." SCORE counselors are available by appointment at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce every Monday and Friday. Just telephone (760) 931-8400 for an appointment.
Willeen Hasler has been a SCORE counselor 10 years, and counsels at the Carlsbad Chamber. She specializes in Small Business Start Up, Home-based Business, Virtual Assistant, Networking for Business, Event Planning and 17-Second Business Commercials.
Out of those women-owned businesses, about 4 million are home-based. About 50% of small business counseling by SCORE counselors in San Diego County is done for women,the majority of whom have home-based businesses.
Starting a home-based business is useful for many women with family and child care issues. However, it is important to get out of the home and participate in business events that provide the appropriate contacts and networking opportunities. However, some businesses need large networking groups such as Chambers of Commerce which also provide an arena for networking with both genders for future growth.
SCORE-San Diego not only offers basic education workshops on many business topics, but monthly Women's Business Roundtable Breakfast meetings in which women have an opportunity to meet and network on a more personal basis, especially for beginners. This way, they learn what resources are available to them and how to do business in a non-threatening manner. Women SCORE counselors are always present to share information, guidance and support to women attending the breakfast and women speakers who understand what it is like to start a business and make business contacts are also on hand.
Many women think SCORE counselors will tell them what business they should enter into. This isn't the case. You must ask yourself the questions and research the information that tells you what would be the best business choice; questions such as:
What have I done well in the past that I could do from home that people would buy or pay me to do?
Have I taken any business courses such as bookkeeping, computers, and management?
What are my family's needs and do those needs interfere with the time it takes to dedicate to a business?
Do I have space and equipment for a home-office?
Am I willing to speak out at meetings and introduce myself in front of a group of men and women?
More information as well as workshop and Breakfast registration details are available on the SCORE website, www.score-sandiego.org or at workshops. Willeen Hasler will be the April 21 breakfast speaker on "Creatively Market a Home-Based Business." SCORE counselors are available by appointment at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce every Monday and Friday. Just telephone (760) 931-8400 for an appointment.
Willeen Hasler has been a SCORE counselor 10 years, and counsels at the Carlsbad Chamber. She specializes in Small Business Start Up, Home-based Business, Virtual Assistant, Networking for Business, Event Planning and 17-Second Business Commercials.