Women Entrepreneurs Generate Profound Economic Impact in Florida

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS GENERATE PROFOUND ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

New York, NY (August 20, 2019) -- Florida has been ranked number 1 in the country, in terms of the fastest growth rate of women-owned businesses, with Orlando ranked the 4th best city for women to start a business. The need for continuing business education, specifically targeted to female founders of successful second-stage companies beyond the startup phase and focused on steady sustainable growth, has reached an all-time high. Central Florida members of The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a peer advisory group for leaders of multimillion-dollar companies, are looking to take their businesses to the next level of prosperity. On September 12th from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., there will be a panel discussion and informative meeting at the Lake Nona Country Club, 9100 Chiltern Avenue, Orlando.
The impact of women entrepreneurs is enormous and snowballing:

• The number of U.S. women-owned businesses is growing five times the national average of all firms, according to the One in 11 adult women is an entrepreneur.
• More than 11 million U.S. women-owned businesses generate over $1.6 trillion in revenues and employ 9 million workers.

The 2019 EY Business Outlook survey of women entrepreneurs found they are bullish on the future, with 73% rating their business performance as better or significantly better in 2018 over 2017; for 2019 nearly 69% anticipate even better financial performance over 2018. Recruitment and retention of talent was the biggest challenge (at 37%), with the second being “working too much ‘in’ and not enough ‘on’ the business.”
In Central Florida, WPO members generate total revenue of $87 million, with an average of $6 million, with a total of 776 employees. In Orlando these firms account for $180 million, averaging $6.7 million in revenue and employing 385 people.
“Orlando is a key economic partner for businesses in the US and throughout the world. Women-led companies make up an increasing share of significant economic growth,” said Dr. Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., Founder and President of the WPO. “We are confident that the Women Presidents’ Organization’s expansion in Central Florida will help provide key resources to a dynamic group of women business leaders.”
“Women-owned/led businesses represent a growing sector of Central Florida and the global economy. This new chapter of the WPO will help a group of fast-growing Central Florida women entrepreneurs build their businesses in an ever-changing global economic context,” said WPO Orlando Chapter Chair Cheryl Anderson.
WPO membership requires annual revenue of at least $2 million ($1 million for service-based companies) and an ownership interest in the company. The Orlando Chapter of the WPO is currently recruiting for membership. Interested women business owners who meet the WPO eligibility criteria and would like to attend the September 12th event should contact Cheryl Anderson at Cheryl@eXperienceImpact.com or call 407-462-1289.
WPO appreciates the generosity of the Orlando event sponsors: Lake Nona Country Club, Validus Construction Services LLC and Pipeline Orlando.

About the Women Presidents’ Organization
The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multimillion-dollar companies. In monthly meetings across six continents, chapters of 20 women presidents from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting.

For more information, contact:

Susan Johnson
Women Presidents’ Organization
sjohnson@womenpresidentsorg.com
212-688-4114 Office
917-601-5778 Mobile