Women Mean Business
It’s National Women’s Small Business Month!
October is National Women’s Small Business Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting ladies in leadership all across the Wabash Valley.
After all, Women Mean Business.
National Women’s Small Business Month
This month, we’re talking about all of the different ways women small business owners and leaders benefit our community and the world around us. Did you know…
There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion.
There are 116 Women’s Business Centers that supported 150,000 women last year, helping their businesses make 1.7 billion dollars and creating 17,000 jobs.
50 percent of women small business owners are women of color.
In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.
In 1972, women only owned 4.6% of all businesses in the United States. Now women own 42% of businesses in the United States.
There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago.
October 1988 marks the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of H.R. 5050, which is the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support of women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get working capital, business training, and assistance.
Prior to this bill being signed into law, some states required women to have a male family member co-sign on their business loan applications.
Tune in as we shine a light on these hard working women all month long – and give you a chance to win some goodies, too!
Listen below to hear how these women – in their own words – have navigated the highs and lows of leadership.
Women Mean Business Podcast
Women Mean Business – Powered by Scott College of Business at Indiana State University!
Meet some of the leading ladies behind the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University!
Dr. Deborah Curtis
Deborah J. Curtis began her tenure as the twelfth president of Indiana State University on January 3, 2018. She is the first female and only the second graduate of Indiana State to serve as president. She came to Indiana State from the University of Central Missouri where she had served as provost and chief learning officer since 2012. Prior to becoming provost at Central Missouri, Curtis served as dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University from 2006 to 2012, interim dean from 2005 to 2006 and as director of the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center and Clinical Experiences and Certification Processes from 2001 to 2005. She served on the faculty of Illinois State for 26 years, advancing to the rank of full professor.
Curtis earned her Ph.D. from Indiana State University in curriculum and instruction with specializations in secondary education and supervision of instruction. She holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in music education from MacMurray College.
Throughout her career, Curtis has served her community and profession through engagement in a variety of service roles in Illinois, Missouri, and now Indiana. Some of these include the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Indiana Chamber Board, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation Board, Indiana Campus Compact Board, NCAA Division I Presidential Forum, and the Indiana Chamber 2025+ Task Force.
Curtis and her husband, Lynn, are the parents of five children and nine grandchildren. Lynn worked in public education for nearly 40 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal and school
district superintendent.
200 N 7th St,
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 237-3773
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