According to the Small Business Administration, there are 9.1 women-owned businesses in the U.S. that employ 27.5 million people and contribute $3.6 million to the economy.

We have begun compiling a list of resources for women in business.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, there were over 371,000 women owned businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The Center for Women’s Business Research is working to assist women entrepreneurs affected by Hurricane Katrina and to connect them with the resources they need to re-establish their businesses.

You will also find many invaluable resources here.

http://www.nfwbo.org/

The Grameen Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting global poverty. They are committed to helping the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses through microloans. Through their global network, they have helped more than 1 million families in 20 countries.

http://www.grameenfoundation.org/

 The Office of Women’s Business Ownership is Run by The Small Business Administration.  Their Online Women’s Business Center has many resources. Check the out at:

http://www.sba.gov/onlinewbc/

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

This organization has been around for thirty years. Many, many current resources for the established business owner and also for those just beginning.

http://www.nawbo.org/

One thing to keep in mind: If you are just starting out, don’t be limited by a lack of funds. If you don’t have much ready cash on hand and are not able to get a loan, if you are determined, you will succeed. Sometimes it may mean starting smaller. By employing your creativity, you cannot fail. We know of one very successful shop owner who financed her shop by painting houses for several months.