Keeping Small Businesses Alive and Kicking

This morning I was joined by my good friend Nell Merlino, founder, president and CEO of Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence. She is a tremendous force to be reckoned with. She has dedicated her career to helping women get micro-financing to build their businesses, offered coaching and networking for thousands of women owned and operated businesses.

This morning Nell joined me to talk about the success of her Make Mine a Million $ Business program. It's a wonderful program. If you would like to participate or learn more about the program go to www.makemineamillion.org.

Joining me this morning with Nell was Colette Chapman, founder and CEO of Chapman Concierge. Colette's concierge business works with corporations, real estate developers, health care companies and small-business owners. Her company helps companies help their employees by offering concierge services -- everything from relocation and tenant services to health-care concierge services to personal concierge services. In this environment where, in many cases, both parents in two-parent families have no choice but to work, Colette's business is on fire, up 80% in one year. To find out more about her company or to use their services go to www.chapmanconcierge.com.

Bottom line, even in the most challenging times, small businesses are innovating and creating new jobs. Colette's business hired 17 people in the past year. Nell's Make Mine a Million $ Business program has seen employment grow 86% in the past year. The issue for these women and all small business owners is how to finance their dreams. The SBA is not doing enough. Most of these women have used their savings or the help of friends and family. American Express's OPEN sponsors Nell's program. Wouldn't it be great if more companies did the same? Without small businesses, this country would not be the same. We need them.

P.S. Colette is the mother of four children. She has a 7,6, 3 and 10 month old. Amazing right? Inspirational! Anyone can do it. You just have to set your mind to it!