Though women have come a long way, there is still much more to be done for them to achieve longevity and growth in the field of business.

This according to Andrea Graham, chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Agency.

Graham said yesterday that the challenges facing women in business will be addressed today as the agency stages the 'Uncommon Women Influence Power, Collaboration and Connection' seminar at Eden Gardens on Lady Musgrave Road in St. Andrew.

She told The Gleaner that while women are better at loan repayment, in comparison to macro-enterprises and their male counterparts, they remain in micro-business for too long.

Structured business

"You will find that these micro-businesses, after 10 years, they have employed maybe only two persons, while if structured properly could grow by 10 persons," Graham, who is also the owner of Annie Gee's Interiors, said.

"Women will pay the loans better and borrow the most funds, but the challenge is, the businesses are not growing."

She added that women must know how to effectively manage their businesses, in terms of structure, network and collaboration, for enterprises to grow.

"While we look at these issues we must also look at other challenges," Graham said. "We are wives, parents ... do we take our children to the ball game or do we go out to network ... how do you choose between going to a power meeting and going home to help your child with their homework?"

Lacking proper information

For these reasons and others, Graham said the agency, which is a business growth facilitator, decided to host the seminar.

She noted that research has found that most females venture into entrepreneurship without proper information.

"They have not been trained how to start, manage and finance the business and this information is key so as not to always be in a juggling mode," she said.

Thalia Lyn, creator and owner of Island Grill restaurant, said too that proper information is one of the first steps in carving a successful business.

"Sometimes you have to do a little research but information is definitely important," Lyn said.

At least 90 persons are expected to be at the seminar which starts at 8:00 a.m. The keynote speaker is Sandra Shirley, president of First Global Financial Services.

while the special feature presenter will be Gloria Minto, proprietor of Glorianna Hotel in St. James.