Issues Relating to Women Business Owners

June 20, 2000

American Express Voices presents Whitney Johns Martin, President of the National Association of Women Business Owners who discusses small businesses, owners, entrepreneurs, and the internet.

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AmericanExpress: Welcome to everyone in the chat! Women business owners face most of the same issues that male entrepreneurs do. But there also are many unique challenges. We are here tonight with Whitney Johns Martin, outgoing President of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Earlier this month, Ms. Johns Martin joined with hundreds of women business owners and representatives of the small business community at a summit to raise and begin addressing these issues. Tonight, we will hear about some of the highlights from the summit, and have the chance to build on that conversation. Also joining us this evening is another Small Business expert; Gail Winawer Managing Director, American Express Tax and Business Services, Inc. Welcome, Ms. Johns Martin and Ms. Winawer!

Whitney Johns Martin: I welcome all entrepreneurs to this chat, especially those who are interested in raising equity to expand their companies.

Gail Winawer: I'll be happy to talk to you tonight about tax matters and financial questions concerning small businesses.

HelenG: What networks are available to women business owners to help me manage my business better?

Whitney Johns Martin: There are lots of resources available to women entrepreneurs and organizations. There are over 70 women's business resource centers around the country that are part of a program funded by the Small Business Administration. There are also organizations, such as NAWBO, that have chapters across the country and provide resources and networks to women business owners. NAWBO has 90 chapters in this country.

Girlowner: Are there any Internet sites that are specifically geared toward the woman business owner?

Whitney Johns Martin: There is womenonline.org and, of course, there is www.nawbo.org. In the area of raising capital you can visit my firm's site, which has some information geared directly to women about raising equity capital. Our site is www.capitalacrossamerica.org.

Ryanne: Women tend to be left out of the circle of venture capital funding available to high-tech firms and other start-ups. How can a woman starting a high tech firm gain entry to this world? What are other options?

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