Celebrate National Women's Small Business Month in Palestine
October 15, 2018
Palestine, Texas is home to many small businesses owned and operated by women. This is no surprise as women are leading in our community and across the state. According to the Comptroller of Texas, Texas is number two in the nation for the number of women-owned businesses and ties for first in the United States for the economic clout of women-owned businesses. These businesses range from small family businesses to larger corporations employing hundreds of people. Since October is National Women’s Small Business Month, this is an excellent time to celebrate the success of these women entrepreneurs.
Here are just a few of the Palestine companies owned by women –
Stars and Stripes Aerospace http://www.starsandstripesaerospace.com/
Stars and Stripes Aerospace is a minority woman-owned business that also maintains a small disadvantaged business status. As a manufacturer, they are committed to supplying the highest quality fasteners and components on-time at a competitive price exactly as ordered. They are a one-stop source for hardware needs while also a distributor for some of the industries’ leading manufacturers. To meet their commitment of Quality Assurance, Stars and Stripes Aerospace has an AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system.
Duncan Depot http://duncandepotantiquestx.com/
Lily Duncan created Duncan Depot as a shopping destination for vintage, retro or antique piece. The home of Duncan Depot Antiques is a building that has itself been recognized as an award-winning renovation. It has also been recognized as a "People's Choice" antique store winner for the last 16 years. In business since 1998, the owner has built an attractive shop with creative displays and easily maneuverable aisles, as well as fantastic collections of vintage kitchenware, china and crystal. Furniture is well represented from antique to retro and everything in between.
Fig Tree Manor http://www.figtreemanor.com/home.html
Ms. Christy Thurber is co-owner of Fig Tree Manor, a charming and historic bed and breakfast. This unique Victorian home is nestled in the heart of Old Town Palestine Texas on the banks of Wells Creek. Fig Tree Manor offers a beautiful retreat setting with both turn of the century charm and old-world flair in four distinctive guest rooms. Fig Tree is within walking distance of both Old Town and Downtown. Here you will find a relaxed atmosphere, fun-filled shopping, festivals and other special events.
Many women entrepreneurs work with regional and national firms as well.
Some of Palestine’s women entrepreneurs are providing services as a franchise or licensed agent for national firms. For example, Carol Metteauer, an agent for National Farm Life.
History of Women-Owned Businesses in the United States
During westward expansion it was common for women to own businesses and take leadership roles, even if they were less formalized. However, as cultural and economic dynamics began to shift away from small family-owned businesses, women began to focus more on domestic pursuits or filling support positions. That has drastically changed over the past fifty years.
Since 1972, the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has risen 3,000 percent. It’s an impressive statistic, especially considering the fact that women were required to have a male co-signer in order to get a loan up until 1988.
Women have come a long way since 1972. That’s why October has been designated as National Women’s Small Business Month. It’s an opportune time to recognize and celebrate the impact female entrepreneurs have on our economy.
Today women own 39 percent of small businesses in the U.S. In the last two decades, the number of women-owned businesses increased by 114 percent — a growth rate of more than two and a half times the national average.
It’s important to acknowledge this phenomenal progress while also understanding that challenges still exist for women in business. Research by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor indicates women in the U.S. are 18 percent less likely than men to have the confidence to start a business.
The absence of role models has been identified as a significant barrier to female entrepreneurship. There’s also evidence to indicate women may have a harder time accessing business financing and may face biases when trying to raise capital.
Raising awareness of women entrepreneurs is a key step in improving this situation. When women hold visible business leadership roles, other women are more likely to consider entrepreneurism as an option.
In Palestine, we understand the importance of encouraging women in business. Organizations like the Small Business Development Center and Chamber of Commerce provide a range of entrepreneurial support and resources to help with business inception and development as well as finding avenues for financing. We encourage anyone seeking information or resources to contact us or one of our partners today.
Resources
ttps://about.americanexpress.com/sites/americanexpress.newshq.businesswire.com/files/doc_library/file/2017_SWOB_Report_-FINAL.pdf