According to 2024 Statistics from the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy, women own more than 12 million small businesses across the country and employ over 10.7 million workers. These businesses contribute massively to the economy, producing nearly 2 trillion in total sales annually.
In an effort to provide a tool for women business leaders and future owners in both the Greater Lansing area and around Michigan, Foster Swift launched a monthly podcast: Businesswomen Talking. Hosted by business attorneys, Amanda Dernovshek and Lindsey Mead, this podcast discusses a number of legal topics that can pose hinderances for business owners such as succession planning, IP protection and entity selection/organization.
Each episode features a special guest, a local business owner or leader sharing their personal experiences such as how they got started, difficulties they have faced along the way and other insight. Each podcast recording is available below on YouTube as well as on Spotify. Also available below are FAQs about Women-Owned Business Certification and other resources:
Podcast Episodes
- Episode 1: An Introduction to the Series
- Episode 2: A Discussion with Julie Holton Smith of mConnexions
- Episode 3: A Discussion with Jessica Starks of Transworld Business Advisors
- Episode 4: A Discussion with Katie Davis of The Literacy Camp
Listen to episodes also on Spotify
Coming Soon
- Episode 5 - Abby Burnell of McCall Hamilton
- Episode 6 - Emma Bostwick of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
- Episode 7 - Monica "Nikki" Fores of Our Lansing Home
- Episode 8 - Sarah Reckhow of Hooked Coffee & Book Store
- Episode 9 - Hilliary Coleman of 1991 Greenery
Resources
- LEAP’s Procurement Readiness Program
- Michigan Specific Women and/or Minority-Owned Business Certifications
For more information on these women-owned business certifications, consult the following websites:
- WBENC Certification: https://www.wbenc.org/certification/
- WOSB and EDWOSB Certification: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program
Contact Us
If you would like to appear as a guest on a future podcast episode, please contact us at info@fosterswift.com.