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Submitted Photo According to a report by American Express, there are approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States. (Adobe Stock Photo)
National Entrepreneurship Week runs through Saturday. In North Dakota, efforts continue to help women business owners reduce the obstacles they face in getting their businesses off the ground. About 43 percent of businesses in the state are women-owned, according to the Small Business Administration, and the Development Network, which provides technical support, says it’s seeing an increase in female customers.
Kristy Dauer, executive director of the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, said that doesn’t mean traditional barriers such as stereotypes and access to financing aren’t going away, but unique data collection The study revealed some eye-opening information.
“More than 50% of survey respondents used personal savings, with credit cards being the second most popular option.” she said.
She added other challenges such as societal expectations and work-life balance. The center points out that women have a strong presence in Main Street business operations, and helping them thrive can go a long way toward revitalizing local economies.
But Dauer said North Dakota women seeking entrepreneurship aren’t limited to a specific field and are breaking stereotypes. Instead, they are moving forward by leading different businesses.
“The trucking company that transports our produce, architect [who] Archaeologists, leave a legacy on our prairies. ” she continued.
Dauer will be visiting Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks to share these stories. Her organization is partially supported by her Women’s Business Owners Act of 1988, but has not seen an increase in funding. Advocates are seeking a long-awaited update to expand their support network.
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