By Christy Rogers, Owner and Instructor at Training Umbrella
Friends of a certain age.
I’ve heard rumors and read articles about “how hard it is to make friends as you get older.” On the contrary! If I look back over the past 10 years, I have met new people that make my life richer. New friends at a certain age.
I was excited to support and cheer on my new friend, Brittany Fugate, at the NAWBO Annual National Awards Gala. Brittany was recognized nationally as one of the Top 3 Women Business Owners! The Woman Business Owner of the Year Award recognizes a NAWBO entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem solving, innovating, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community. I was proud to see her repping Kansas City!
Advocacy for Women Owned Businesses
In a bi-partisan manner, we met with congresswoman Sharice David’s staffer for a meeting advocating for small business.
Our topics included four agenda items:
1. Proposed bill language to address the needs of “Microbusiness” and encouraging emerging entrepreneurs.
The definition of “small business” is very broad and it varies based on who is giving it. We hope to advocate for those businesses that have 50 or less full-time employees and an annual revenue of not more than $5 million. A large segment of women-owned businesses employ 10 or less employees.
2. Workforce.
This includes leveling the playing field for hiring, recruitment, and retention along with options to access a paid leave system that works financially for themselves and their workforce.
3. Accessing Capital through increased financial literacy education and digital tools.
Did you know that it wasn’t until 1988 that a woman could apply for a business loan in their own name without needing a male relative to co-sign? The Women’s Business Ownership Act (WBOA) of 1988, also known as HR5050, signed into law by President Reagan changed all of this.
4. Caring for business owners and their employees.
Creating more affordable healthcare options for microbusiness and addressing the fact that the lack of childcare hinders economic output for many women business owners.
If you are a small business owner reading this, in the comments tell us in your business, what would you advocate?
