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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the Central Mountain Small Business Development Center Power of WE Conference
Women entrepreneurs were celebrated and encouraged at the annual Central Mountain Small Business Development Center Power of WE conference held on May 17 at Salida SteamPlant. This event marked the fourth annual gathering, with a focus on highlighting the achievements and contributions of women-owned businesses in Colorado.
According to Jamie Billesbach, the director of Central Mountain SBDC, 45 percent of all small businesses in Colorado are owned by women, with the number rising to 53 percent in the region. Aikta Marcoulier, the Rocky Mountain Region administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, shared that the Biden/Harris administration has been instrumental in supporting small businesses, with 50 percent of the 17.2 million new businesses since 2020 being women-owned.
Marcoulier noted the shift in women-owned businesses from retail to various sectors such as manufacturing and cybersecurity. She also highlighted the efforts to make it easier for women to access capital, breaking down barriers that have hindered their business growth.
In Colorado, women received 154 loans totaling $57 million, demonstrating the impact of these initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs. Billesbach emphasized that Colorado is recognized as the top state for women to start and grow businesses, reflecting the supportive environment for female entrepreneurs.
The conference also addressed the changing landscape of businesses and consumers post-pandemic, with a focus on aligning values and missions between businesses and consumers. The increase in small businesses post-pandemic was attributed to individuals, especially women, turning their hobbies into careers during the lockdown period.
Both Billesbach and Marcoulier emphasized the importance of women recognizing their worth and value in the business world, with entrepreneurship providing an opportunity to set their own prices and bring their unique gifts to the market. The event aimed to empower women entrepreneurs to take charge of their businesses and strive for success.
For more information on small business resources, visit CentralSBDC.org.
