Theme: Women in Business: Challenges, Changes and Opportunities

The notable successes and multiple challenges facing women entrepreneurs were recently noted in two reports­— The 2018 State of Women-Owned Business Report by American Expresss and SCORE’s Megaphone of Main Street: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Spring 2018 report. According to the reports, the number of women-owned businesses has increased by 58 percent since 2007,  and women own 4 out of every 10 businesses in the U.S. In 2017, 11.6 million U.S. businesses were women owned. These businesses employed nearly 9 million people and generated more than $1.7 trillion in revenue.

 It’s irrefutable that women entrepreneurs are on the rise. However, despite these incredible achievements, women entrepreneurs face many challenges. Lack of funding is among the most commonly cited. Indeed, studies have shown that men are almost twice as likely as women to raise $100,000 or more in funding. Other obstacles include a lack of mentors, advisors, and general support systems.

Yet, despite the difficulties women business owners report high satisfaction with work, general well-being, and an appropriate work-life balance.
 Join us as we explore these topics with four successful and inspiring local women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Clarene Law, Mary Kate Buckley, Ruth Ann Petroff, and Lindsay Linton Buk.

FREE & open to all! We believe that great things don’t happen in a vacuum, and we encourage everyone to venture out to network once a month at Chance Meetings. This is an informative, casual, fun networking event that takes place the first Monday of every month from 5 – 7pm at The Rose (50 W Broadway Ave in Jackson). Have an idea? Have a question? Experience to share? Looking for like-minded people? We average 65 – 85 attendees, with new faces in the audience each month. Content ranges from panel discussions to speed networking. Everyone is welcome. Show up, bring ideas, ask questions!