Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1520514
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 M AY 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 S M A L L B U S I N E S S "Also, cultural norms and expectations still play a significant role in our society where women bear more pressure to prioritize family responsibilities over career aspirations," she says. Despite those obstacles, she finds the women who've gone through the navigator program to be deeply committed to advance professionally through entrepreneurship. "Our programs are designed to elevate their voices and experiences, provide equitable oppor- tunities for business success and cultivate a culture of respect and support, allowing these remarkable women to flourish," she says. Diane Sturgeon, the SBA's Maine district direc- tor, has a front-row seat to some of the obstacles faced by immigrant women launching and leading small enterprises. "Running a business is a daunting task for anyone, but when you add the complexities of being a woman of color and in some cases being new to the area, it can be incredibly overwhelm- ing," she says. CEI's navigator program "not only offers participants an opportunity to learn about the resources in Maine, but almost more importantly, it welcomes them into a community of small business owners who are experiencing similar challenges, so they know they are not alone." 'Moving upwards' CEI's program — shortened to nine weeks this year from 12 originally — gives an overview of business basics from marketing and branding to pricing and financial management. Make new connections with the Belfast business community! PRESEN T ING SP ONSOR REGIONAL SP ONSOR T H U R S D A Y, M A Y 2 3 / 4 : 0 0 – 6 : 0 0 P M / B E L F A S T Y A C H T C L U B & E V E N T C E N T E R BELFAST National Bank HORS D'OEUVRES / CASH BAR / NETWORKING WITH AREA BUSINESS EXECUTIVES S PACE IS S PACE IS L IMITED L IMITED, BE S URE TO , BE S URE TO R EG IS TER! R EG IS TER! Please register ahead at www.mainebiz.biz/OTRBelfast24 S O U R C E : 2023 Small Business Profile, SBA, data from businesses of 500 or fewer employees SMALL BUSINESSES IN MAINE: DEMOGRAPHIC GROUP BREAKDOWN C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » F O C U S Women workers: MAINE: 48.9% UNITED STATES: 47.2% MAINE: 41.3% UNITED STATES: 43.4% MAINE: 8.5% UNITED STATES: 6.1% MAINE: 1.2% UNITED STATES: 14.5% MAINE: 5.6% UNITED STATES: 4.6% MAINE: 1.6% UNITED STATES: 17.2% MAINE: 4.8% UNITED STATES: 26.6% MAINE: 3.4% UNITED STATES: 20.4% Women owners: Veteran workers: Veteran owners: Hispanic workers: Hispanic owners: Racial minority workers: Racial minority owners: