How Are Women in Business Doing? Better Than You Think!

Kari Warberg Block, Owner of Earth-Kind Inc., with U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

Women represent more than half the U.S. population, and they would like nothing better than to own half of the businesses in the U.S. It continues to be a struggle, particularly when it comes to funding, but these women are definitely making progress.

SBA continues to support women's efforts

In some states like North Dakota, women are making amazing progress. North Dakota was rated number one in the nation by American Express in 2014 for growth in the number of women-owed businesses; in 2012, North Dakota was ranked fourth. One successful North Dakota woman business owner feels more women are capable of being successful business owners if they believe in themselves.

Kari Warberg Block owns Earth-Kind Inc., an agriculture-based company in Bismark, North Dakota, that makes botanical rodent repellents and biodegradable air fresheners from farm products. She spoke recently to SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and others about the need for support programs and funding, but also stated, “Women need to see it to believe it.” Heitkamp agrees, stating “If we’re going to grow business, we need to make sure women see themselves in that role, as well.”

Programs that make a difference

The ChallengeHER Campaign is one program that makes a difference, according to Contreras-Sweet. This program brings together women-owned small businesses with federal contract opportunities. Another nationwide program is InnovateHER, a competition that involves creating marketable products that will improve the lives of women and their families.

To read more, visit www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/north-dakota/3778195-sba-head-highlights-small-business-efforts-women