Happy March,
May the luck of the Irish be with you all month long!
Monthly newsletter from
Region IV Development Association, Inc.
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"If you were born with the weakness to fall, you were born with the strength to rise."
-Rupi Kaur
March is Women's History Month
Women's History Month is celebrated every year in the month of March. Since its inception in 1987, the celebration serves as a reminder of the contributions of some of the most groundbreaking women in our country's history.
WOMEN IN THE ECONOMY STATS
READ THE FULL REPORT
National Trends
Between 2014 and 2019, the number of women-owned businesses climbed 21% to a total of nearly 13 million. Employment grew by 8% to 9.4 million. Revenue rose 21% to 1.9 trillion.
As of 2019, women of color account for 50% of all women-owned businesses.
Geographic Trends
Idaho is ranked 3rd highest in women-owned business economic clout (defined as growth in the number of businesses and growth in employment and revenue).
Industry Trends
Half of all women-owned businesses are concentrated in three industries:
Other Services - including hair and nail salons and pet care businesses.
Healthcare and social assistance -including child daycare and home healthcare services.
Professional, scientific and technical services - including lawyers, bookkeepers, architects, public relations firms, and consultants.
Women-owned businesses are driving economic growth in the United States. They represent 42% of all businesses - nearly 13 million - employing 9.4 million workers and generating a review of $1.9 trillion.
Women-owned businesses are driving economic growth in the United States. They represent 42% of all businesses — nearly 13 million — employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion. Yet there is a significant size disparity between these businesses and others. Closing the gap benefits everyone, not just women. More goods and services bought and sold grow the economy. Thriving companies improve owners’ financial positions and boost employees’ incomes. Launching more companies to solve business and consumer pain points makes the United States more competitive.
Realizing the economic potential of women-owned businesses requires changes in policies, business practices, and attitudes. Some changes, such as family leave and affordable childcare, impact all working women while others, such as training and access to capital and markets, are specific to particular segments of business owners.
Women-Owned Business Success Story
The Party Center
Ashley Benkula
Owner/Event Planner
Ashley Benkula graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management in 2008 from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Ashley joined the Party Center team in 2008 and took over operations in 2017. Born and raised in Twin Falls, she loves being able to own and operate her business in the community where she grew up. With over 13 years of experience in the party rental and event planning business, Ashley truly has a passion for bringing every client's dreams to life and hopes to continue growing her business.
On her experience working with Region IV Loan Department:
The Region IV team has been amazingly supportive and helpful in helping me grow and expand my business, open a venue, and serve the community that I grew up in. Working with Region IV for the last four years has been a game-changer and I highly recommend any small business to reach out to them for assistance.
Plans for 2022: We are ready for the 2022 season, it's so good to be working with our friends at all the local businesses in the Magic Valley that we've missed the last couple of years. The Party Center team is like another family, and we are excited about our upcoming events this year.
Party Planning
Concept to Cleanup
Let us help bring your next party to life!
208.733.9337
Internal Loan Programs
Before you give up on your project due to financing challenges, give us a call to see if we can assist your business with one of our internal loan programs. We are happy to consider start-ups, turnarounds, and other non-conventional circumstances.
Contact a loan officer today!
Rob Atkins, Loan Programs Manager and Loan Officer
(208) 732-5727 ext. 3002
Amy Brinkman, Loan Officer
(208) 732-5727 ext. 3006
March SBA Interest Rates
25 Year - 3.929%
20 Year - 3.766%
10 Year - 3.820%
Small business owners can access cash from the equity in their real estate by way of the SBA 504 debt refinancing program.
In addition to refinancing existing debt on more favorable terms, you can get cash out to pay operating expenses or other purposes.
As with all SBA 504 programs, you can lock in a repayment term of up to 25 years at below-market interest rates.
Small Business Success Stories
Whether you are looking to start a business, expand your current business, or revitalize your current operations - we will walk step by step with you to find financing that will meet your needs. RIVDA can help small businesses of any size, from startups to expansions.
Check out the video to see how Region IV has assisted in the success of a few of the Magic Valley's favorite businesses in Twin Falls.
For more than four decades, Region IV Development Association has been providing hands-on technical assistance to communities throughout southern Idaho – from helping with basic infrastructure development (sewer, water, fire protection, community centers and senior centers) to assisting with community building (training, visioning, and comprehensive planning). The Region IV Development team can assist with town meetings, preparing funding applications, and project administration.
Are you a community leader with a wish list full of infrastructure improvements to your city or county?
Call our office today to see how we can help.
208.732.5727
Brownfield Revitalization Program
Brownfield Assessment Request
Site Access Agreement
For more information, check out our website or contact
Dr. Michele McFarlane at (208) 732-5727 ext 3005
Community Highlight
Lincoln County Broadband Project
Lincoln County Broadband Tower Completion Time-Lapse
Is your community suffering from a lack of adequate broadband services?
Call us today to talk about your broadband options!
208.732.5727
