Women Celebrate 30-Year-Old Law Lifting Business Loan Restrictions

Women may have won the right to vote in 1920, but it wasn’t until 1988 that they finally obtained the ability to start and expand their own business. This year, many women are celebrating the passage of a 30-year-old federal law that lifted the inability to secure their own funding.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Women’s Business Ownership Act, or H.R. 5050, into law. This piece of legislation came about from the efforts of NAWBO members and other women business owners “who saw disparities and inequities with regards to loans, access to loans and being able to achieve a loan without having a male co-signer, even a minor son,” explains Quist-Newins, a NAWBO-MN past president and president and founder of financial planning company Moneyweave.

Of the many women who pushed for the change, the list includes Minnesota chapter founder Marlene Johnson, a former state lieutenant governor. Quist-Newins says that, despite the law’s passage, many women business owners still face hurdles in seeking capital. Just 14 percent of U.S. Small Business Administration Loans were given to women-owned businesses; this represents only 4 percent of the total money lent.

“Access to capital still remains a barrier,” Quist-Newins said, noting that women are majority owners of 10 million to 13 million U.S. businesses.

And how is the NAWBO-MN responding to the challenges women face today? For now, the group is focused on working women business owners who are in the growth and expansion state. A big goal is to attract more … Read the rest >>>

Tips for Staying Safe on Today’s Hectic Roadways

With so many vehicles sharing the road, there’s bound to be some accidents. However, fine-tuning your driving skills will help you to avoid danger. Here are five important safety tips for drivers.

Tips for Staying Safe on Today’s Hectic Roadways

Learn to Enjoy Life in the Slow Lane

If you want to drastically lower your chances of being involved in a crash, drive no faster than the posted speed limit. According to a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg Florida, speeding is among the top causes of collisions. Instead of rushing on your everyday commute, leave home earlier and enjoy the perks of driving in the slow lane. When traveling at a safe speed, you’ll have more time to react to road hazards.

Take Advantage of Modern Safety Technologies

Today’s newer vehicles now offer a number of cutting-edge driving aids. They promise to make your life on the road a lot more secure. While blind-spot monitoring helps you to switch lanes with more confidence, forward collision warning seeks to get your attention during emergency situations. Your level of awareness will be greatly enhanced.

Make Driving Your Main Focus

When behind the wheel of a car, be sure your focus remains on the road ahead. You need to keep an eye on your surroundings at all times. Don’t try to perform other tasks while you’re driving. Of course, cell phone use is an absolute no-no. To reduce your temptation to text and drive, install an app that shuts off your phone’s messaging while your vehicle is in motion. … Read the rest >>>