Business Planning for Women
An increasing number of women are starting small businesses. The number of small businesses that are starting up with women at the helm is growing and 30% of business owners in the UK are women (Labour Force Survey 2003). The reasons women decide to start their own business vary, with most reporting that they want to be their own boss, choose their working hours and enjoy better work life balance. However for many of these women the reality of running a small business does not live up to their expectations; it is difficult to fulfill their dreams for their business and they become disillusioned and overwhelmed with the ongoing struggle of running a small business alongside their other roles in life - mother, partner, friend, daughter, chef, chauffeur, socialite - the list goes on! One area that has been identified as a significant factor limiting the success of women in business is a lack of business planning. Many women entrepreneurs and small business owners fail to set aside the...