Arkansas business women making an impact in the Natural State & Beyond

A merica’s small businesses have always been an engine for innovation and job creation. In Arkansas, women- owned small businesses have been growing faster than the national average.

Arkansas has a number of special opportunities for women in businesses such as the Minority and Women- owned Business Enterprise, which provides women and minorities with real-world technical and professional assistance, certification, procurement, networking, capital and contracting opportunities while utilizing partners in state and the federal government, higher education, leading institutions that private sector. Small businesses play an essential role in local and statewide economics. And, when it comes to female-owned small businesses, Arkansas has seen major growth — a 73% increase since 1997, according to an American Express report.

The businesses owned by women in Arkansas cross many different industries. From retail to restaurants and technology to finance.

Arkansas also has what is called Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame which showcases those who have made a major impact on the lives of others and helped to elevate the status of women in Arkansas, as well as the Women’s Founda- ARKANSAS

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tion of Arkansas. That organization established the Woman Business Leader of the Year award recognizing a woman in Arkansas who has shaped the success of her organization/ business and demonstrated leadership, professional achievement

only to her workplace, but also her community.

The award is presented at the Power of the Purse Luncheon in Northwest Arkansas. This award is designed to honor and preserve the names and exemplary accomplishments

Arkansas also has the Arkansas Federation of Business and Professional Women, designed to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

It is designed for women helping women and holds several state events throughout the year specifically for women in business.

Arkansas has a number of organizations specifically geared toward women in business and helping them achieve success which, in turn, provides economic opportunities for others, both men and