How To

I’m delighted with the recent Ernst & Young report, Thinking big: How to accelerate the growth of women-owned companies, which matches what I’ve found from talking with high-growth women entrepreneurs. With the number of women-owned businesses increasing yearly, accelerating their growth is important.

When you start digging, you find out all sorts of interesting things, both good and bad. I’ve been researching the success factors that unite highly successful women entrepreneurs. Along the way, I’ve learned about ways in which small businesses can help themselves move up the ladder of success, how focusing on work/life fit can help a company grow and, yes, the factors that help women entrepreneurs succeed as well as pitfalls to beware of.

When you sign up for a box of Thin Mints or Samoas, do you realize that you just helped an entrepreneur-in-training? And that she and the 100-year-old Girl Scout organization may have some ideas that could help your business?

Maybe you don’t think your business is the right kind or big enough to grow through government contracting. Think again.

Yes, I’m a nag but I’m also right. Continuing education for entrepreneurs is a good investment of public funds and a must-do for entrepreneurs. If you don’t believe me, meet Amy Deguilio, founder of Sugar Flower Cake Shop.

Corporations, states and Uncle Sam offer loads of free help to women-owned businesses. Grab it and pull yourself up to the next level of growth.

Your board and leadership have accepted that your nonprofit isn’t sustainable and can’t continue alone. You’ve decided to do it: Your clients will be better served if your nonprofit merges with another organization. That is, by the way, the only reason for a nonprofit to do anything: continue, expand or improve services to clients.

Wave after wave of financial bad news has hit the nonprofit sector. In 2008, major donors cut back but foundation grants were still coming in, until 2009, when funders cut back. Then in 2010-2011, government contacts went on the chopping block … and they’re still there.

Trying to keep up with a hectic work schedule and a growing family? Note to female entrepreneurs: Here's how to start on a path to balance.