Women challenged to make a million

NEWARK, N.J. — Pennsylvania women entrepreneurs will compete in the “Make Mine a Million $ Business” program on June 3 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The program is open to women business owners all over Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey and will select 20 entrepreneurs to compete for 10 awards that will provide them with the money, marketing, mentoring and technology resources that will help them reach $1 million in annual revenues. Women own nearly half of the businesses in the U.S. but just 3 percent of women-owned businesses generate more than $1 million in revenues annually, roughly half the percentage of men-owned businesses in the same category. “Make Mine a Million $ Business” is a program of “Open” from American Express and “Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence.” It’s the only national program dedicated to raising the awareness of the growth challenges facing post-start-up, women-owned businesses. The program is grassroots movement that is galvanizing a community of women entrepreneurs from across the country and providing them with the resources and support to build thriving businesses and fuel the economy. To date, over 120 women nationwide have won the top awards and in 2007, 26 awardees broke the $1 million barrier. The group also consists of almost 50,000 other women entrepreneurs who have made a pledge to build a $1 million enterprise. Its goal is to inspire one million women around the country to declare their intent to reach revenues of $1 million. Applicants must be NY/NJ/PA-based women-owned businesses, in business for at least two years, who demonstrate an ability to scale to the $1 million mark. Selected finalists will present their pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience. Application deadline is May 6. To apply, visit: www.makemineamillion.org