Changing the face of the American dream

Women entrepreneurs are succeeding in business more than ever, changing the face of the American dream. It’s estimated that over 1200 women-owned businesses were launched every day in the last year, according to a SCORE press release. And Maryland has the third highest rate of women-owned businesses, at nearly 40 percent.

Hearing from successful female business entrepreneurs is the goal of SCORE’s first Women’s Entrepreneur Conference, a full-day event to be held September 20 at Anne Arundel Community College’s Arnold campus. The conference, hosted by the Southern Maryland Chapter of SCORE, is specifically designed by women and for women thinking about starting a business or in the first couple of years of their endeavor.

“Anyone starting a business faces an uphill battle, but women often face additional challenges. Statistics show that women typically start businesses with a lot less capital than their male counterparts, and have less robust networks to support them,” Maureen Edwards, SCORE mentor and conference organizer, said in the release. “This conference is designed to address those challenges.”

The conference will provide the opportunity to hear from successful women entrepreneurs, learn the factors key for success and network with similarly inclined women, as well as potential business partners. For registration and more information, go to www. SCORE390.org/womensconf/.

SCORE is a national non-profit organization of active and retired business owners and executives who volunteer their time to help small business owners achieve success. The Southern Maryland Chapter serves Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.