Women-owned startups are on the rise in the Alleghenies
In a recent article in the Tribune-Democrat, Linda Thomson, president and CEO of JARI shared that women are opening their businesses locally in growing numbers. She told the paper women are “doing what they feel passionate about” and that she believes “it’s a really great time for women in the economy.”
According the Thomson, 45% of local startup companies are women-owned and operated by women. She added that JARI works with a cohort of 22 maker companies, 17 of which are led by women. The article features Uptown Works in Somerset, managed by Rozlyn Pugh who also owns Business Services by Roz, a business supported by Startup Alleghenies.
Room for growth
Among Startup Alleghenies’ client businesses, 31% are women-owned, illustrating there is a lot of room for growth. From landscaping firms to clothing boutiques, from cafes to spa services, women across the Alleghenies are turning their dreams into reality with the help of Startup Alleghenies.
Matt Reckner, Somerset County’s coach said, “Startup Alleghenies is an ideal resource for women seeking to start a business. In addition to free coaching, we can offer connections to opportunities that are exclusive to women-owned businesses as well as advice for finding other unique startup resources for women.”
As an example, Matt worked with Jolee Younkin, president and owner of Centerville Enterprises, a construction, landscaping and commercial cleaning company in Somerset County.
As a female business owner in a predominantly male field, Jolee felt strongly about completing formal training and earning certifications that would add credibility to her talent.
Matt connected Jolee to JARI’s Rodney Patterson who helped her navigate various licenses and certifications that helped Centerville Enterprises qualify for jobs in West Virginia and Maryland, in addition to Pennsylvania.
“I immediately started soaking up all the training I could and sat for all the exams personally to earn certifications for the business,” Jolee said. “As a woman-owned business, I feel it was important to prove my personal knowledge and earn respect from customers and other people in the industry.” With help from Startup Alleghenies and JARI, the company became a certified Women Owned Business and gained national certification as a WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) by the national certifying agency WBENC-East.
“Rodney Patterson (from JARI) also helped me to become HUBzone certified and helped me earn other federal certifications specific to woman-owned businesses,” Jolee said.
“Having access to a coach who can help make these important connections and help guide you through the process can be a game-changer,” Matt said. “I hope more women-owned startups in all types of markets will consider how they can benefit from working with Startup Alleghenies.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
