Women as entrepreneurs need backing

A program counselor for Women in Business based on Guam is challenging the local community to support the entrepreneurial undertakings of the female group and help them succeed.

According to Marie E. Mesa-Kerlin, a program to welcome more women in the Guam business started last February following a grant from the Citigroup Foundation to the University of Guam’s Small Business Development Center.

In two months’ time, 45 women have submitted their applications. Some are planning to open a franchise, offer a child care program or join the restaurant business.

The new program feels secure to lend support to women coming from various sectors of the community.

“We’ve learned through our research that women do pay back loans,” she told the female participants during the business forum sponsored by the Northern Marianas College’s Business Development Center and Continuing Education, with the help of Bank of Hawaii.

“They are committed to the business that they have passion for,” she added.

She said women are always on the look-out of ways to augment their income while maintaining a good family life. They are lured to join the entrepreneurial world since it offers them unlimited income at their own terms.

Among its many rewards, women can do business according to their lifestyle and schedule, said Kerry Deets, President of the Asia pacific Management and Information Systems.

It brings confidence and certain amount of glamour, added Lynn Knight, President of the Sunset Advertising Group.

Deets and Knight shared their business experience during the same forum.

Although, women in business are considered to be well-educated and do rub elbows with influential people, Mesa-Kerlin pointed out that the Small Business Administration on Guam maintains a strong program on welfare to work.

“I have clients who have many children and have been on this program (food stamp) and they are looking for ways to get out,” she told Saipan Tribune.

As part of the Continuing Education program of UOG, business courses are being offered to help those who have been away from school and are gearing to go back to where the action is.

“Times are changing for women.. we believe that we can give the same opportunity to the women on Guam which you can also offer here,” she said.