She Means Business!

The number of women entrepreneurs continues to grow in NH.

Never in NH history has there been a better time for a woman to start and grow her own business. In fact, according to American Express Open's 2012 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, NH saw a 38.3 percent increase in the number of women-owned firms between 1997 and 2012, growing from 27,265 firms to an estimated 37,700. Sales at women-owned NH businesses increased from $3.1 billion to $6.9 billion.

Nationally there are 8.3 million women-owned businesses that generate nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues while employing 7.7 million people. Growth in these enterprises during the last 15 years exceeded the growth rates of all but the largest, publicly traded firms. The industries with the highest concentration of women-owned firms nationally are health care and social assistance (53 percent) and educational services (40 percent).

It is evident there is a strong and vibrant women's business community, especially in NH. From interior designers, retail store owners, marketing experts, business, life and relationship coaches, financial planners, lawyers, health care practitioners and so on, there are women providing every imaginable product and service.

Women, like men, start businesses for a variety of reasons: to build a solid financial foundation; a need to control their destiny; a passion to make a difference and to have flexibility to raise a family and volunteer in their communities, among other reasons.

Piper Turgeon of Londonderry-based Eco Chic Interiors (www.ecochicint.com) started her business out of necessity. Widowed at a young age it was important to her to have a career that provided flexibility to raise her children. She also wanted total control of her future and that of her family, something that isn't always possible when working for a large firm. Tia Bergeron of My Bridal Dream (www.mybridaldream.com), who always wanted her own business, left her full-time job as a director of marketing to launch her online business that matches brides and NH bridal vendors. Many women follow in the footsteps of their parents, having been raised in entrepreneurial families who sparked that passion in them.

With advances in technology and the acceptance of home-based businesses, women find it easier to launch a business, even with a small budget, out of a spare room in their house. In fact, many can build their businesses while still being employed elsewhere. Entrepreneurship isn't always easy. The most common concern is finding balance between the demands of a growing business and the needs of a family. Simone Vermette of Gently Loved Baby (www.gentlylovedbaby.com) says, I feel conflicted often between being a mom and being a business owner, always trying to find the balance between how many hours it takes to successfully run a business, but wanting to spend quality time with my kids.

Women lead their businesses differently than men. They can bring a feminine, yet firm, approach to managing a team. They frequently ask for help if faced with a challenge. And they are likely to turn to other professional women and entrepreneurs for guidance. Women in business face certain issues that when it is said and done the men just don't get, says Ally Piper of Brighteyes Creative (www.brighteyescreative.com). Sure a lot of pressures are self-imposed, but there is nothing more inspiring than being surrounded by fellow women in business who are choosing their own path while being true to themselves and their family.

There are no indications that this positive trend with women entrepreneurs will change soon. With the increase in funding, other business resources, the availability and impact of women-oriented business organizations, and accessible education and training opportunities, the future is bright for women who mean business.

Leslie Sturgeon is president of Women Inspiring Women, based in New Hampton, which brings women together for empowerment, motivation, personal development, business resources, networking and a whole lot of fun. It is the largest women's group in the Granite State. Sturgeon is also a serial entrepreneur and was named the 2009 Women in Business Champion by the NH Small Business Administration. For more information, call 603-744-0400, email leslie@wiwnh.com or visit www.wiwnh.com.