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There are 8.6 million women-led businesses in America, and the businesses represent $1.3 trillion nationally and $30 billion in the state of Connecticut, according to a press release from Malloy's office.
Women Owned Business Day is part of National Small Business Week and is in partnership with the Women’s Business Development Council and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women.
"To commemorate the importance of acknowledging the influence of female business owners, on the economic growth of the state, WBDC and PCSW will host a free breakfast event followed by roundtable discussions at the Capitol," according to the release.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Erin Andrew, assistant administrator of Office of Women’s Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Andrew will "drive the conversation with a focus on four areas identified by the National Women’s Business Council which are critical to the success of small business owners, access to capital, access to markets, job creation and data collection," according to the release.
“Small Business is a driving force in stimulating economic gains and job growth in the United States. We now know two out-of-every three jobs are created by small business," said Andrew. "As we honor National Small Business Week, it’s worth noting the economic impact of women-owned small business. Women continue to be the fastest growing sector in the small business community, starting new businesses at a rate of 1,288 a day. The SBA believes in America’s women entrepreneurs and small business owners to create jobs and move our economy forward."
The breakfast will serve as the first of a series of events which will highlight women small business owners as "important decision makers who effect the economic health of the nation," according to the release.
“Providing female business owners with opportunities to network and discuss the challenges they face gaining access to capital and expanding their markets is critical," said Fran Pastore, president and CEO of WBDC. “We are excited to work with Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who continue to recognize that women owned businesses are fueling the state’s economy at unprecedented rates. Women owned businesses will create over half of the 9.72 million new small business jobs expected to be developed by 2018.”
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