Women entrepreneurs face challenges when seeking venture capital

Today, one would thing that there would be numerous women's success stories in regards to business start-ups and raising venture capital. The reality is that even in today's world, the glass ceiling is still fully in place, especially in the venture capital world.

According to Growthink Research, about 1,860 companies received private equity funding in 2003. Of that number, just 84, or roughly 5% were woman-owned companies. Other than the health care field where 44% of all businesses funded in 2003 were led by women, female business owners were a definitive minority in most business sectors.

To learn how Janet Kraus, 39, and Kathy Sherbrooke, 38, managed to break through and secure venture capital for their business called Circles, see:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/23/smbusiness/women_fsb_fix/

Want To Preserve the Family Business? Then Think Diversification

For those who currently run a successful family business and have the desire to preserve that business opportunity for their children, the message has become to diversify your holdings.

That thought may come as a surprise to small and medium-sized family operations, especially those that turn the profits back into expanding the initial entity. However, for many such businesses, unless careful planning takes place, the entire business net worth can be tied up in the running of the business itself. Then, when times get tough, the entire operation can become vulnerable.

Today, for those who want to preserve their business for their children, an owner needs to consider reallocating assets as soon as the business turns a profit. And the message is, the sooner, the better.

See: http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/ci_3624890

Banco Popular set to reach out to small business owners

The North American branch of Banco Popular is set to launch "Popular Small Business Capital". This new division's task will be to lend money to small businesses throughout the United States. The funding range will likely be between $150,000 and $10,000,000.

Its always good to see one of the world's megabanks lending a helping hand in terms of small business finance.

"Ladies Only" Business group getting a strong foothold in NYC

I saw an interesting article this week in the New York Daily news. Its about a business group that calls itself "Ladies Who Launch".

Basically, this group is comprised of what else? Women who plan to launch or already own their own small business.

If you want to read more on their activities go ahead and check out this link:
http://www.nydailynews.com/business/story/395966p-335654c.html

Hopefully, this innovative idea can spread out to other parts of the country so that women all over the place can share their experiences and trade business tips...something that guys have been doing seemingly forever.