Sally Deneen

Newly crunched census statistics show the number of women-owned businesses with $10 million or more in revenue has shot up in the last decade by 56.6 percent. These businesses have increased nearly twice as fast as all women-owned firms and 47 percent faster than firms of the same size owned by men and women. “This…

For 25 years, Gary Kinder has taught a tough crowd—lawyers—to write better and eliminate useless words. That prompted an idea to create patented software that takes about 30 seconds to suggest trims to a 10-page document to make it clearer and more concise. Now his WordRake software, launched last July and installed by nearly 1,000…

Myth: If you own your own business, you can spend less time at work and make more money. Reality: “The truth is you’re working all the time. When you’re not working, you’re thinking about it,” says Diana Kander, entrepreneur-in-residence at the Kauffman Foundation. But if you love what you do and you’re following your dream,…

FRANCHISE Pros: Instant name recognition—you’re associated with an established company, which may reduce risk. With standardized operations, systems and training, you won’t start from scratch creating your own. Some franchisors offer financing to buy a franchise, as do credit unions and banks. You can pick a franchise that fits your lifestyle—a restaurant that may require…

Think you’ve got what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Ask yourself these 20 questions to make sure you’re thinking about the right key business decisions: 1. Why am I starting a business? 2. What kind of business do I want? 3. Who is my ideal customer? 4. What products or services will my business…

You have probably given more than a passing thought to being your own boss, maybe even pursuing an entrepreneurial idea you’ve nurtured for a long time. Well, as the economy sputters to life again—with more resources, funding options and government incentives as well as pent-up consumer demand and an eager workforce—there’s never been a better…

1. The economy is picking up, and there’s pent-up demand from consumers, as Omar Soliman notices at his spinoff company College Hunks Moving, which benefits from the improving real estate market. 2. Crowdfunding provides another means of financing. Crowdfunding lets you ask the public for money for your small business or project via sites such as…

Ninety-five percent of our thoughts, emotions and learning happen subconsciously, so it’s

If former Amazon vice president Nadia Shouraboura is right, her high-end men’s jeans shop