Helping Women Entrepreneurs Succeed

There are many programs designed specifically to help women getting involved in creating and ownership of small businesses. Here is a podcast about women business people seeking financial capital to fund their small businesses. This applies well to women in New Jersey looking to fund their business – or anywhere in the USA really…

Some highlights:

Ron Johnson: Nell, women are demonstrating their ability to be successful small business owners. What was your motivation for creating Count Me In?

Nell Merlino: Well, I started Count Me In because I was a small business owner myself and recognized that I had a lot of questions and challenges in my own business and was aware that other women obviously did too. I particularly thought access to capital was an issue. But there were a number of other issues just in terms of figuring out sort of the steps and what you do next that I thought must be a challenge for other women as well. Because I was doing okay but I didn’t know how to take it to the next step. So I just started to start an organization that would address all of these issues.

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Ron Johnson: Nell, I know you understand that sorting through the financial options for women entrepreneurs might be a little confusing for some. So what is your role in ensuring that women have access to capital?

Nell Merlino: Well, I would say money is one of the most important aspects in growing a business, but it is not THE most important. I think that’s a big thing that we emphasize with women. I think many of us go looking for money before we’re ready. And before we have a really clear understanding and explanation of what we’re going to do with the money and why we need it. So I would say one of the things we do is make sure women are fully prepared to approach whatever situation; whether it’s a competition or a presentation in front of angel investors or pitching to your friends and family. If you’re first starting out, how you’re going to convince them and yourself. Quite frankly, that whatever you have planned, you’re going to use the money in a responsible way that’s going to be helpful to you in growing your business. And that you’re going to be able to pay it back if it’s that kind of situation.

SBA and Count Me In: Working Together to Help Women Entrepreneurs Start, Grow and Succeed
Featuring SBA’s Ron Johnson and Nell Merlino, the founder, President, and CEO of Count Me In

Nell provides information for women entrepreneurs seeking access to financial resources. She also discusses the partnership that Count Me In and the SBA have developed and the benefits that they both provide to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
( Transcript )

Have a listen to this podcast about helping women small business persons get started with their New Jersey business – and our other SBA podcasts on the site.