A Tale of Women Owned Businesses

Presented by Kristin Slice, MAMaricopa Small Business Development Center

Kristin Slice, MA• Masters in Human Communication with an emphasis

in qualitative research methods and gender. • Grant leader, executing entrepreneurial programs for

Maricopa SBDC.• Experienced entrepreneur, founder of Empowered

Lab Communications, working with agencies across the country to set up effective entrepreneurial diversity programs.

• Former Board Member for the National Association of Women Business Owners Phoenix Chapter and National Presidents Assembly Steering Committee

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of women-owned

businesses in the U.S. increased

at a rate of 3 x the

national average. - National Women’s Business Council, 2016

- McKinsey Institute, 2016

Benefits of Women Owned Businesses

• Women entrepreneurs tend to treat their employees better and give back to their communities

(Criterion Institute, 2013)

• Women entrepreneurs have higher levels of innovation than their male counterparts

(Harvard Business Review, 2013).

• An increase in the number of women in business leadership positions is correlated with increased business returns and payout ratios. (Kaufmann Foundation, 2015)

Innovation and technology firms are attracted to ecosystems with diversity.

Benefits of Women Owned Businesses

Successful startups have 2x as many women in senior roles than unsuccessful companies.

- Fortune, 2012

Benefits of Women Owned Businesses

Phoenix Metro Area

The State of Women-Owned Businesses, 2012

American Express Open State of Women Business Owners, 2016

Other states have implemented strategies to leverage the economic

development potential of female entrepreneurship.

Already we are feeling the effects….

50 /50 in entrepreneurship in Arizona would add 91,000 more jobs and $105.2 billion

to our local economy. - Datos, AZHCC 2016

- U.S. Census Bureau; generated by Melissa Kovacs, FirstEval

Lessons Learned

New York:Strong research and data makes efforts

more effective 

Lessons LearnedBoston: Government leadership with a strong support campaigns can change the culture and

elevate the discussion.

Lessons LearnedIowa

Ranked 50th in 2012 Grassroots efforts, diversifying existing

services and increased collaboration can have a dramatic effect.

Research Findings

Procurement and Certification

Local Lessons in Research

• You can't "pink razor" entrepreneurship programs, 

• Women require unique tools and solutions 

• Strategic marketing supports and provides momentum

• Peer groups and mentoring need to be supported  

What Is Happening Locally

Empowered PhXX is an innovative model of community economic development that

brings together diverse community stakeholders who serve female

entrepreneurs. Providing stakeholders with:

• In-depth, strategic, roundtable discussions on key issues.

• The latest research, data and national trends on female entrepreneurship.

• Leveraging collective strength to execute initiatives that address significant challenges in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Empowered PhXX100% community-owned and self-

organized. Meaning no one person or organization runs it —

everyone contributes through action.

Plus many more…

Help Us Write An Epic Tale

Join the Discussion

Create Your Own Strategy

Supporting women owned businesses has tremendous

economic and social impact on our communities.

#PhXX