Get Down To Business: Queens Women ’99

The time is right for women in Queens to start a business, according to the American Women’s Economic Development Corporation’s (AWED) top honcho. "This is the best time ever for women to start their own business, and Queens is the most varied small business community in the United States," said Suzanne Israel Tufts, who is the chief executive officer of AWED.
Women owned businesses are on the rise in the city’s biggest borough, said Tufts, a resident of Forest Hills, who contended that women own 40 percent of all small businesses nationally — twice the rate of men — and locally, like across the country, these businesses "span all ethnic and demographic groups," she said.
According to Tufts, women’s success in small business may be attributed to the fact that they are willing to ask for assistance.
"Just like driving, men don’t ask for directions. Women do," she said.
"The wealthiest women in business are in self-made businesses. Women are starting their own business, not
just inheriting or marrying into them," said Tufts.
The most popular businesses in Queens, according to AWED, include technological and retail ventures, in addition to fashion design, jewelry and cosmetics, which have been traditionally popular with women.
"Women are magnetic to these types of businesses," the AWED chief officer said.
Tufts advised future business owners to have an optimistic outlook toward starting a business.
"Being an entrepreneur is not for the cynical. There’s a lot of rejection and having a positive outlook can help push you through each day. "
And always have a plan, she added. "Half of all new businesses fail because people don’t have a plan," she explained. Businesswomen should always have a focus and plan financially too, said Tufts.
"There’s not a whole lot of capital out there but it’s possible," said Tufts adding that the key to finances is to get organized without outside funding. Family, friends and scholarships can also be a good source of start up and operating capital, according to AWED.
Tufts reminded all women in Queens interested in starting a business to be aware that women owned businesses is not an emerging trend.
"If you remember, Betsy Ross ran her own flag making business, " she said.
For more information on women in business and the American Women’s Economic Development call (212) 692-9100.