USA: There are many, many resources to help women start the right kind of business and to help them grow it. Govenment agencies like the US SBA with their Small Business Development Centers have many programs. There are programs promoted by women-friendly banks, economic development offices, trade associations and industry groups, and women's associations in every state. We will begin listing some of these resources by state and do a compilation of the best of these resources with links to those pages below.

With so much help and information around, why do women so often migrate to tiny ideas? Do they need more inspiration? ... better role models?

Small Business School: All of the women studied here are both inspirational and wonderful role models. One of these women asked rhetorically, "Why should I polish fingernails when I could be polishing steel?" Another, who has become a leader in the Hispanic advertising industry, reflected on her life and on women in general, and commented, "You've come a long way, baby!"

All business owners can learn valuable lessons from these women. They are the small minority who are making a huge difference in their industry and in their communities. By moving to the the top of the game where there are mostly men, a woman's influence can make the greatest difference.