According to the latest figures provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, women-owned small businesses in Nebraska rose 14.2 percent in 2012 to 45,000.
In honor of Women's History Month in March, the U.S. Small Businesses Administration and the Rural Enterprise Assistance Projects Women's Business Center hosted an entrepreneur's conference for women.
Among those attending, was Grand Island resident Hollie Klimek who owns a photography business in Grand Island.
"I decided to quit my full time job five years ago and started my own business," the Hot Shots by Hollie owner said. When it comes to some of the biggest challenges Klimek said, "It's really hard to find that work-life balance, and especially when you're a mom, a wife, have children, and you are a woman."
However, she couldn't imagine doing anything else. That's why she turns to professional photography groups by attending regular conferences, and today a women entrepreneur's conference.
Barbara Foster is with the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Omaha.
"Seeing other women do it, how they did it, who they contact, what the resources are just motivates them more to get into the business they've always wanted to do," Foster said.
Some at the conference were looking for ways to expand their existing business, while others like Suzy Rainforth, a woman looking to start a new business, attended for the start-up motivation.
"It's a great opportunity to network with these women who had the courage to start up a business so I can see their success and follow in their footsteps," said Rainforth.
