This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
By Tara Palacios
Women are opening businesses at a fast rate.
They are opening businesses exactly five times faster than the national average. In BizLaunch, 60% of new clients are women and we directly see the positive impact of women entrepreneurs on our business ecosystem.
According to the the 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report commissioned by American Express, “Between 2014 and 2019, the number of women-owned businesses climbed 21% to a total of nearly 13 million (12,943,400). Employment grew by 8% to 9.4 million. Revenue rose 21% to $1.9 trillion.”
The number of “sidepreneurs,” has also increased. [I.e., people who are employed but seeking to launch a business on the side or as a side hustle]. Women are engaging in building sustainability and wealth and using entrepreneurship as a platform to quickly achieve those goals.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, BizLaunch offers two amazing conference opportunities for women who are in business or thinking of going into business:
AWE Summit 2020 — March 12, Marymount University
Join us for the 2nd annual AWE SUMMIT a can’t miss gathering of the most awesome business owners in the D.C. region:
- Educational and inspiring presentations
- Informative panels of experts
- Conversations and connections
- All-new vendor expo!
- Morning coffee and a delicious lunch provided
- 30-Second Pitch competition with $2500 in startup funds
Experience a full day of learning tailored to your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you are in the early stages of your business, ready to scale up, or attempting to manage rapid growth, we have a track designed to educate and inspire you. You will self-select from the following life stage tracks:
- CREATIVITY to Start
- CONFIDENCE to Scale
- COURAGE to Soar
Networking Reception: Celebrating Courageous Women
Wednesday, March 18, 6-8 p.m., Arlington Economic Development
The Entrepreneurial Journey Conference
Thursday, March 19, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Center
We hope you can join us!