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Weekly UpdatesStarting a new business for a first-time entrepreneur is stressful enough. For women, there's an added dynamic.
"Because 50 per cent are home-based, it's a question of how do I look after the kids, the husband, the dog and do my job," says Susan Tait, founder of the Georgian Bay Women's Network (GBWN).
All sole proprietors rely on a network of professionals and suppliers to survive and prosper. In turn, they help others establish themselves and grow.
Three years ago, Tait, an administrator at the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre, was perusing a directory of 1,500 area businesses and noticed about one-fifth were run by women.
Encouraged by a federal government commitment to fund women's networks, she contacted and invited several area women entrepreneurs out to a dinner to poll them if a professional group would float.
The answer was in the turnout. The inaugural November 2005 event attracted a whopping 180 women. Today, the GBWN boasts more than 280 members.
They have launched their businesses in a number of ways. Some are single mothers with children, determined to strike out on their own. Others were newcomers to the area and saw it as a way to become part of the community's fabric.
Tait leaves the doors open to all, retirees included, to come out for monthly meetings -luncheons and evenings - whether they're paid members or not, to meet other women, socialize and let them know about their business.
Networks serve entrepreneurs in a number of ways. It provides them with sales leads, referrals and access to capital. There are also social supports to cope with the anxieties, to deal with personal events and provide inspiration.
Their get-togethers and speakers cover a wide variety of topics. There's the tangible stuff on legal and accounting issues, on how to create a website or get money from public funding agencies. And there are the intangibles on work-life balance, marketing skills, and understanding human behaviour, even the new Generation Y attitude.
For Parry Sound day spa owner Carolyn Jeffery, a group weekend retreat at the local Tim Horton's camp was great opportunity for her to round up a whole new set of clients.
Despite being in business for 13 years, many locals didn't know her service even existed and were going south to Barrie for manicures, facials and massages.
"I was a one-person show and wanted to grow but I didn't know how."
The exposure has meant 12-hour days at her Perfectly Pampered spa, but resulted in her growing and expanding to a near-downtown storefront with three-full-time employees and two independent contractors.
What she's learned business-wise is the importance of good bookkeeping, banking and credit.
"My self-esteem has also grown in allowing me to talk to groups of people. And it's nice to be around people in the same mind frame as you are."
Accountant Adrienne Golden saw joining a professional women's network as essential to promote her bookkeeping business in a new hometown.
Five years ago, Golden and her husband abruptly packed up their lives in Mississauga and moved to the relatively stress-free lifestyle of Parry Sound where they maintained a cottage. "Neither of us had work to come to."
For newcomers in any small town, building a business is based on cultivating personal relationships. "I think that works best anyway," says Golden.
Joining the network was a great way to market herself and overcome her shyness in her new surroundings. It was also an avenue to meet other kindred spirits who shared her interest in natural health products.
If anything, it provides a relaxing atmosphere among her peers and motivation to keep going. "I don't feel like I'm on an island or that I'm struggling on my own. We get together and support one another."
Women have made significant strides in the business world but they often enter it from a disadvantaged place.
Tait says many times they're in low-paying service jobs. A number of circumstances push them to take the plunge into small business after thinking about it for years.
To provide financial assistance, the GBWN has introduced a micro lending fund of repayable loans up to $5,000 for women entrepreneurs in the West Parry Sound Area through the community development centre.
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www.gbwn.ca
By IAN ROSS
Northern Ontario Business
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