News & Insights

Female entrepreneurs are crucial to local economies, contributing significantly through job creation and innovative businesses. In the U.S., women-owned businesses account for 42% of all firms, employing 9.4 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in revenue annually, according to the American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report (2019).

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The Federal Reserve is preparing to cut interest rates for the first time in four years, signaling a shift in its approach to economic management. According to Investopedia, this change comes after a long period of interest rate hikes, which were aimed at combating inflation that surged to a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. The Fed's aggressive rate increases—11 hikes since 2022—helped bring inflation down to 2.5%, just above the Fed's target of 2%. With inflation now largely under control, the Fed is shifting its focus to supporting economic growth, especially as the job market begins to show signs of strain.​

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Transitioning to solo entrepreneurship is a significant challenge for anyone, but for widows, this journey comes with unique financial considerations. According to a study by Bowling Green State University, approximately 29.5% of women aged 65 and older were widowed as of 2022.

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The debate over whether good leaders are born or made has long intrigued scholars, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Some argue that leadership traits like charisma, decisiveness, and confidence are innate, while others believe that leadership can be cultivated over time through experience and training. For small business owners, this question holds particular relevance as they juggle various roles, including that of a leader.

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Arizona has emerged as a national leader in women-owned businesses, boasting an impressive 43.1% share of total businesses, surpassing the national average of 42.1%, according to a report from AZ Big Media. This trend underscores the growing role of women in driving Arizona’s economy and highlights the state as a hotspot for female entrepreneurship.

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The need for such programs becomes apparent when examining leadership trends. While the number of women in leadership roles has grown over time, there is still room for improvement. According to a 2023 Catalyst report, women hold 28% of senior management roles globally, and as of 2022, only 8.1% of Fortune 500 CEOs were women. The leadership gap can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as limited access to mentorship, fewer high-profile opportunities, and lingering societal biases.

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Phoenix’s manufacturing sector has experienced impressive growth. From 2013 to 2023, the city saw a 14.9% increase in manufacturing jobs, far outpacing the national average of 6.7% during the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As stated by Jevan Capital In 2023 alone, the city added nearly 15,000 new manufacturing jobs, pushing the total number of manufacturing positions to approximately 180,000.

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If your business has ceased to grow, it may be time to consider a pivot. According to CB Insights, 17% of startups fail due to flawed business models. Therefore, if you are not making progress, it's important to reconsider your strategy and explore new opportunities. Market trends also play a significant role. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and 42% of startups fail because their products become obsolete. If your offering is becoming outdated, a pivot could help you remain competitive.

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2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers were potentially compromised according to USA Today. This breach highlights the increasing vulnerability of personal information in today's interconnected world, raising critical questions about how to better protect such sensitive data.

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Embracing failure, understanding what went wrong, and using those lessons to drive future success are vital steps in recovering from a setback. The first step in bouncing back from a failed business idea is to accept and acknowledge the reality of the situation. Denial or avoidance will only hinder the learning process. Recognizing that the idea didn't work out is important since it's a common experience in the entrepreneurial world.

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