Ms. CEO Resources

There are lots of resources available to women entrepreneurs.  Here are a few that you may find helpful:

Get help to start and grow your business:

• The Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) at the U.S. Small Business Administration is supported by federal tax dollars.  So, you pay for their services already and you should take full advantage of them.  The central office in Washington D.C. can answer questions for you but if you want hands-on help with starting and growing your business, check the OWBO directory to find the office nearest to you and call them to schedule an appointment.  Their services will be free or low-cost and can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of new business owners.

• Are you interested in selling your product or service to the federal government?  Hopefully so because they're the largest consumer in the United States and they spend billions with small businesses annually.  The federal government is mandated by Congress to spend at least five percent of their annual small business budget with woman-owned businesses.  We wrote a story about what that could mean for you but if you want to get more specific insight on how you could become a sub-contractor or prime contractor to sell everything from greeting cards to chairs to office supplies to the federal government then check out the free online training that Women Impacting Public Policy has created on their "Give Me 5" website.

• Some days will be glorious in business and others will be a bit tough.  It feels a lot better when you know that someone out there somewhere is duking it out for their dreams just like you.  We are, and we know what you're experiencing!  Add yourself to our e-mail list so we can keep you pepped up and positive no matter what's going and no matter who you're around.  Don't discount the importance of inspiration and simple tips on your journey to business success.  Also, get your Ms. CEO tee today — it attracts compliments, deals, dates and dollars; all of which will make you feel bold and energized, even if you decide to turn them down. (Smile)