We polled readers of the Business Record’s Lift IOWA e-newsletter to gauge their thoughts on the challenges facing potential women business owners in Iowa. 

More than 80 people responded to the survey, many of whom agree it’s tough for women to start businesses in the state. Respondents also felt that there could be more resources that specifically target women who want to own businesses, and that we could be doing more to move Iowa from the  bottom of rankings when it comes to women-owned businesses.

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “very challenging,” how challenging is it for Iowa women to start a small business?

Average Answer: 7

2. Which is the biggest challenge facing potential women business owners?

46 percent: Finding and accessing financing/capital
15 percent: Knowing how to assess the market for 
12 percent: Finding time
5 percent: Creating a business plan
5 percent: Knowing how to market their business
17 percent: Other

Sampling of “other” responses: Risk tolerance, trying to “have it all,” lack of confidence, the need for health care, lack of access to mentors.

3. Do you believe there are adequate educational and training resources in Iowa for women who want tostart small businesses?

NO: 56 percent
YES: 44 percent

There are enough resources:
“(There are) adequate resources, if you choose to take advantage of what is offered. I have seen more resources for women in business in the past two years than I have in my lifetime, which is encouraging. Certainly there could always be more, but I also believe that resources are available if you truly seek them out.” 
– Susan Hatten, senior executive of strategic partnerships, Holmes Murphy & Associates Inc.

“The resources exist; however, better marketing to the general public and letting people know what to do and where to find help would be helpful. For example, the Iowa Bankers Association could work with NAWBO Iowa to prepare women to obtain financing.”
– Monica Dolezal, owner and president, BIZSTARTS LLC

There are not enough resources:
“I have felt challenged recently in finding resources to help me take my small business to the next level. Maybe I am not looking in the right places; however, the ‘traditional’ resources for help in starting a business (Small Business Administration, SCORE) have not been helpful.”
– Kris Winter, president, M2K Marketing Group

“Iowa needs resources for the 2- to 3-year-old businesses. We pay enough attention to startups. The problem is at the drop-off point, and nobody is gathering women together at this stage.”
– Kathryn Towner, owner, WinCommunications

 
4. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “very well,” how well is Iowa doing to move itself from the bottom of the 2014 American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses report?

Average Answer: 4

Those who feel Iowa could do better: 
“We need an integrated public-private approach to creating and building scalable businesses. We need a plan and funding to support the critical resources women need to get their businesses started — training, mentors, marketing and business planning/execution assistance. We need better access to capital and encouragement to think big. Microenterprises are not going to move the needle.”
– Diane Ramsey, CEO, Iowa Women Lead Change, ranked Iowa a 1 

“Fund the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to maximize growth of women-owned businesses. Align and integrate resources. Evaluate the value of a public-private partnership. Fund it.”
– Lori Day, president, FocusFirst Inc., ranked Iowa a 1

Those who feel Iowa is doing well:
“I think this topic is finally gaining some momentum. Their are great things like the Iowa Women’s Leadership Project that are prompting good discussion and providing action steps we need to take to move the bar.”
– Jayme Fry, first vice president, West Bancorporation Inc., ranked Iowa a 7

“(We still need to) get more information out to women and let them know that assistance is available, how to access it and provide a website that lists resources and companies committed to working with women-owned business.”
– Jody Kimrey, owner and president, Office Installation Services Inc., ranked Iowa a 7

Suggested resources for potential women business owners
U.S. Small Business Administration
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Iowa
Iowa Women Lead Change
Ascent IOWA
Iowa Small Business Development Centers
SCORE Des Moines
IASourceLink
Iowa Economic Development Authority
MyEntre.Net
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Local chambers of commerce

*Source: survey respondents. Does not represent a complete or comprehensive list.

About Lift IOWA

The survey used to collect this information was sent out through the Business Record’s Lift IOWA weekly e-newsletter, a specialty publication designed to connect, educate and inform female leaders and business owners. 

Those who responded to the survey include men and some of Iowa’s most highly engaged females, all of whom want to move the needle in our state to get more women to the top when it comes to leadership on boards, companies and political roles.

Sign up for Lift IOWA here: http://bit.ly/1jK0Fyl