Small Business, Big Opportunities

Women-owned businesses continue to grow at an amazing rate. According to the Center for Women's Business Research, the estimated growth rate in the number of women-owned firms was nearly twice that of all firms (17 percent vs. 9 percent). Nearly half of all privately held U.S. firms are women-owned. That means 10.6 million firms are at least half owned by women. These firms employ 19.1 million people and generate nearly $2.5 trillion in sales.

I have met countless numbers of these women entrepreneurs throughout my work. Many of them have successfully used technology to help them grow their businesses. I want to begin by articulating how basic technology has helped these women to achieve success, and how VARs and IT solution providers can play an influential role to ensure it's done efficiently and correctly.

In addition, all businesses must strive to have a Web site. It is the first encounter for potential customers assessing offerings by the company. Basic as it is, the Web sites should be maintained and updated frequently to reflect the professionalism of the company. Nothing is more frustrating to potential customers than an out-of-date Web site.

Next, and vitally important for small businesses, is protection against viruses, spam and fraud. All businesses possess proprietary information, such as confidential client data and trade secrets. Business owners must set the tone and urgency for creating a security mindset among all employees, making it a top priority for everyone in the company. Security threats are everywhere, and many new threats are minted everyday.

Small businesses will reap more benefits from technology if it is integrated into the company's existing processes. Disparate technologies, performing many, but separate functions, will increase training costs and errors in the business. It will also increase the cost of upgrading when needed. Small-business owners should always assess suitability and compatibility of any new technology before bringing it into the company.

Women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses can benefit from the advice of IT solution providers. It is more cost effective over a period of time if the "right technology" is adopted from the beginning. Midcourse changes can be expensive, not to mention the need for some to start from scratch.

Intel works with local and regional solution providers and VARs through the global Channel Partner Program, offering frequent training on the latest and greatest technology to keep VARs abreast of new offerings.

Intel also actively collaborates with third-party organizations, such as the Managed Services Provider Alliance and Small Business Technology Institute. Women-owned businesses can benefit from the technology and educational seminars provided by these organizations and by meeting local VARs.

Technology offerings can be overwhelming and knowing what to have and when to have it can be mind boggling. Working with an IT solution provider allows business owners to ask questions, learn about other business challenges, assess their needs and define a solution to best fit their business requirements.