Women around the world are taking bold risks and reaping big rewards, experiencing the benefits of being their own boss.
According to the 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States has increased 21% since 2014. The summary of trends revealed the number of women pursuing side ventures while maintaining their current employment also increased by 39%, nearly doubling growth of women-owned companies.
Though the majority of these ventures are related to health care, social assistance and other services, women-owned organizations are diverse and often focus on filling gaps in the community. In total, women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million people in the U.S.
Colorado ranks No. 10 for growth in employment and revenue for women-owned businesses. But beginning a business is not easy. Fortunately, there are a number of professional workshops and networking opportunities in our region designed to help women forge forward with new ventures and grow existing organizations.
Southwest Colorado Small Business Development CenterSmall business owners and entrepreneurs can receive training and consulting services through the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center. The center is located at Fort Lewis College in Durango and has satellite offices in Cortez and Pagosa Springs. It offers several affordable classes and workshops covering topics such as marketing, bookkeeping, website development, business planning and more.
Women’s Resource CenterWomen can receive one-on-one professional development coaching through the Women’s Resource Center, to help them recognize strengths and weaknesses and set goals. Coaches can create a plan to help women to forge forward and find balance between their professional and personal lives. Whether experiencing a transition in the home or office, the coaching can offer women the support they need to boost success. The Women’s Resource Center also offers empowerment workshops on topics ranging from car care to tax preparation.
Professional Women’s NetworkThe mission of the Professional Women’s Network of Durango is to create an environment where women connect, grow and inspire each other to reach new levels of success. The group hosts networking events for both members and non-members at The Underground in the Irish Embassy Pub the second Tuesday of every month, and periodically invites guest speakers to the region. Members, which include women from a wide variety of professions, receive discounted admission to networking events.
Women’s Idea ExchangeFrom noon to 1 p.m. on the second Friday of the month, Bethany Niccum hosts an informal networking event at Thrive Chiropractic. Guests gather and go through a focusing exercise together, then each member of the group has three minutes to introduce herself and ask the group a question and receive valuable feedback from other local women. Many women regularly attend to answer questions, and others stop in to ask questions.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth flourish in the Four Corners. From regular networking events to special seminars and daylong workshops, there are support systems available for those who aspire to achieve goals to make their dream come true.