Category: Startup Stories

Entrepreneurship Can Be A Pathway Out of Poverty with the Right Support

In this article, Michael H. Morris, Professor in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, highlights how entrepreneurship can help alleviate poverty by providing people with valuable skills and creating jobs, stability, and community benefits. Success for poor entrepreneurs doesn’t have to mean massive profits; even small ventures can improve lives and reduce poverty. With the right support—like training and mentorship—entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of economic disadvantage. Check out the article to read more about Professor Morris’ thoughts.

“Show Her The Money” movie

“Show Her The Money” highlights the struggles and triumphs of female entrepreneurs as they battle for venture capital funding, which women receive less than 2% of, while also demystifying what venture capital is. Featuring successful female investors and visionary entrepreneurs, the film demonstrates how financial backing empowers women to turn innovative ideas into billion-dollar businesses, ultimately reshaping the American economy. See this link to learn about the film.

Celebrating Latina-run Businesses

This article in Hispanic Executive highlights ten Latina-owned businesses that are revolutionizing their respective industries, from beauty and fashion to coffee and children’s literature. Despite facing significant gender and racial barriers, these Latina entrepreneurs are breaking new ground with innovative products, ethical practices, and a commitment to cultural representation, inspiring future leaders in the business world.

Becoming an Entrepreneur in Your 50s

This article featured in Smart Company highlights how entrepreneurship in your 50s can be a transformative and rewarding experience, particularly for women. The author highlights how shifting away from two decades of traditional corporate responsibilities allowed her to pursue meaningful work aligned with her values.

By becoming a startup leader in her late 50s, she leveraged her deep industry knowledge, professional networks, and confidence gained over time to successfully navigate challenges and inspire investor confidence. The piece encourages older women to embrace their unique strengths, tackle impostor syndrome, and lead fearlessly, reminding them that it’s never too late to step into their power.

Understanding the “Doughnut Effect” Trend

Since the summer of 2020, America has experienced a persistent boom in new businesses, initially driven by pandemic-related factors such as online retail, warehousing, and unemployment, but now characterized by broad-based growth and a significant rise in startups, particularly tech startups focused on artificial intelligence. This trend includes a “doughnut effect,” with new businesses flourishing in the suburbs while downtown areas see less growth, contributing to a nearly 60% increase in new business creation compared to pre-pandemic levels. To hear more about these trends, check out this NPR “All Things Considered” interview.

The Story Behind The Company, Baked By Melissa

Melissa Ben-Ishay founded Baked by Melissa after being fired from her ad agency job, leading her to start a cupcake business with her brother. The company grew from Ben-Ishay’s apartment kitchen to a commercial kitchen and multiple locations, leveraging social media to expand its reach, while Ben-Ishay became a successful CEO and cookbook author, overcoming gender-based obstacles in entrepreneurship. To read more about her journey, see this piece posted on CNBC

Outcomes of the Small and Mid-sized Business Owners Report

The 2024 Bank of America Business Owner Report shows a positive outlook among small and mid-sized business owners, with an expectation of revenue growth and reduced concerns about recession. While inflation and interest rates are still on their radar, these worries have lessened compared to the previous year. Business expansion plans are in place for the coming year, with a focus on customer engagement and technological advancements to differentiate businesses. Small businesses are cautiously optimistic, with a majority expecting revenue increases, while mid-sized businesses show stronger confidence, with plans for expansion and hiring. Digital tools are being increasingly adopted to streamline operations, with AI implementation on the horizon for many businesses.

Small Business Optimism Index Hits 11-Year Low

Small business confidence reached its lowest point in over 11 years this past March. According to a report from the National Federation of Independent Business, concerns about persistent inflation are weighing heavily on small business owners. Despite some indicators suggesting a decrease in inflation, rising costs, particularly in input and labor, remain a significant issue for small businesses, leading to widespread anticipation of further price hikes and increased compensation.

Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

In this recorded webinar from May 2023, Andrea Ippolito, founder and CEO of SimpliFed and Director of Women Entrepreneurs in STEM at Cornell University discusses the opportunities and challenges women entrepreneurs face when launching a business while raising young children. With two small children of her own, Ms. Ippolito is an expert on starting a company and watching it grow while concurrently ensuring that her children thrive.