As the government’s only independent voice for women entrepreneurs, The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) provides a platform for change to expand and improve opportunities for women business owners and their enterprises.
The NWBC is hosting their next public meeting August 2nd from 9:30am-11:30am at the Scheller College of Business at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The meeting will include welcoming remarks from the Scheller College of Business Dean Maryam Alavi, opening remarks from Chair Carla Harris, followed by a roster of esteemed Council Members sharing their most recent findings and updates on current activities. The second half of the meeting will include a panel of experts discussing the distinct climate of entrepreneurship in Atlanta for women. The panel includes:
- Grace Fricks, President and CEO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Inc. (ACE)
- Mary Parker, President & CEO All(n)1 Security Services, Inc
- Terrez Thompson, Vice President of Supplier Diversity of The Coca-Cola Company
The Stats:
According to the 2012 U.S. Census’ Survey of Business Owners, there are 376, 506 women-owned businesses in Georgia. That’s an increase of 98,216 businesses from 2007. The city of Atlanta is ranked in the top 3 among the top 25 most populous metropolitan areas for its growth in number of women-owned businesses. There are 203,000 women-owned businesses in the metro-Atlanta area. The City of Atlanta spearheaded by Mayor Reed created the Women Entrepreneurs Initiative – a commitment to support the start and growth of women business owners and entrepreneurs. Atlanta’s story, especially for women entrepreneurs is truly unique which makes it the trailblazing city that it is today.
However, inequities and disparities still exist that inhibit many women-owned businesses from reaching their full economic impact or scaling effectively. Women are behind in earnings and receipts, in addition to the amount of venture capital and other forms of equity investment they receive. Women continue to lack access to some of the most crucial assets, capital and markets, necessary to launch and grow their businesses.
But, thanks to a combination of supportive initiatives, committed local government, thriving multi-industry communities, and a strong entrepreneurial vitality – there are more and more women-owned and women-led businesses that call Atlanta home.
Don’t miss this insightful discussion. Register here!
