A Gender Pay Gap Matters

Whether it's in the United States, Japan or Canada, a gender pay gap matters. When you read this, you'll understand why more and more women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men.

Who wants to wait it out -- that is for pay equality?

We Bike Hard For The Money!

Great little article on Rebecca Herwick, President of Global Products (who I know and became acquainted with after moderating a global business discussion where she was as a panelist)!

"I've always been a biker girl," says Rebecca Herwick, who is one of the few certified women business owners with an official license to manufacture and distribute Harley-Davidson novelties, giftware and headwear to dealers worldwide.

Read more about her success story here.

Who's A Better Inventor?

If you want to create a really useful invention, you should:

a. Hire men.
b. Hire women.
c. All of the above.

Find out here.

Are Male and Female Entrepreneurs Really That Different?

The SBA Advocacy funded paper "Are Male and Female Entrepreneurs Really That Different?," by Erin Kepler and Scott Shane finds that gender does not affect new venture performance when other factors are controlled for. However, several factors -- differing expectations, reasons for starting a business, motivations, opportunities sought and types of businesses -- vary between the genders, and these result in differing outcomes. Such observations should be taken into account when comparing the outcomes of ventures across genders.

The data used for the study was from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) focusing on businesses started in 1998 and 1999.

A full copy of this report is available at here (immediate download of a PDF file).

Only The Good Die Young

Entrepreneur Anita Roddick dead at 64.

Our hearts pour out to her family during this sad time.

Anita was an inspiration to us all. Long live her ethical entrepreneurial legacy.

Entrepreneur Carla Eng Keeps Up Success Her Way

Carla Eng has some advice for budding women entrepreneurs: Have a solid business plan, fight adversity and don't give up. Sound familiar?

Read more here.

Dreading 9-5 Clock Watching

Theresa writes:

Dear Ms. Delaney:

Upon reading your article, I was really moved and agreed with being, "A refugee of corporate America."

I worked as an administrative assistant for a private investment firm and left several months ago to pursue my business venture.

The product line is high-end women's t-shirt collection with licensed images of art paintings.

This venture which I felt so very proud of, unfortunately, had to put on hold due to financial reasons.

I dread the fact of going back to my 9 to 5 corporate job but need a steady income.

What do your recommend? Should I seek investors? A business loan?

I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Kind regards
Theresa

I already responded to Theresa but what are your questions or ideas for her? Thanks in advance and hope you had a good Labor Day escape.

Women Business Owners Work Hard For Their Money

Today’s high-powered women executives make it a point to weave social entrepreneurship into their businesses.

The Women Presidents’ Organization Chicago chapter, recently announced the results of a survey of its members. Those survey results were especially interesting because on the one hand they indicated substantial growth. Eighty-five percent (85%) reported that their revenues grew over 25% in 2006. Roughly the same percent predicted their businesses would also grow in 2007, sometimes up to 70% growth.

Clearly, these are women focused on the top line and bottom line.

Read more at the ever popular Small Business Trends blog and weigh in with your comments if you wish. You will also see that I serve as the facilitator for the WPO Chicago chapter.