Made it through the most
difficult business climate in decades
G
rand Rapids Business Journal highlights the businesses in this region owned by women and intends to assure their inclusion in the broader business community and at the table of decision and discussion. The women profiled in this issue represent the finalists in four revenue categories and a broad range of products and services. These have not been easy years to maintain and grow a business — through a recession and in Michigan. These trials mark the psyche of every business owner, but can be especially crippling for those not on the “usual” list of B-to-B process and inclusion. Every study continues to report that women face far more difficulties securing business loans, equity capital and venture capital. Their ranks in the C-suites or on boards of major corporations have been falling instead of increasing across the country, and especially in Michigan. Inforum’s 2012 report showed those declines across the state. The finalists have made it through the most difficult business climate in decades and each shows stability, growth and innovation while jumping the unpredictable hurdles every owner has found impeding the path, often fueled by little more than determination. Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reports phenomenal growth in the percentage of womenowned businesses — to almost more than 50 percent of all businesses across the country. The Bureau estimates women will create 5.5 million jobs by 2018. Grand Rapids Business Journal will announce the Top Woman-Owned Business
owner in each revenue category during a luncheon March 6 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. We are grateful for the assistance of Carol Kirkland and Michelle Richards as judges for this recognition. Kirkland built a family business, AVE Office Supplies (initially while working as St. John Hospital and Medical Center medical transcription department director). Her business was named 2009 Outstanding Women’s Business Enterprise Council-Great Lakes division. She is currently president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit chapter. Richards has been the executive director of the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development for more than 20 years. CEED provides small business training, counseling, financing and other assistance to women and minorities, and one of its programs is certification of women-owned businesses. She was named the Women’s Council of Washtenaw County 2010 ATHENA Award recipient. Eric Larson, CPA/ABV, Beene Garter accounting agency in Grand Rapids, has extensive practical and theoretical experience in the field of financial valuation, transaction negotiation, merger/acquisition representation and corporate financial analysis. He volunteered his time in confidential assurance of the revenue categories and review. The judges are profiled on page 4. Congratulations to the finalists! Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal
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