Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs: How Eleven Women Escaped Poverty And Became Their Own Bosses

by Martha Shirk, Anna S. Wadia

Over the last five years, the number of women-owned businesses has grown at twice the rate of all U.S. firms; in the next few years, the number is expected to surpass the six million mark. Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs tells the inspirational stories of eleven low-income women who have marshaled the creative energy, confidence, and capital necessary to start their own small businesses. These women, who have used their entrepreneurial skills as a route out of poverty, give an American face to an economic empowerment tool that has enjoyed great success in developing countries. By becoming their own bosses, they not only provide for their children but also inspire them. Though each of their businesses is unique, all eleven of these women have discovered previously unknown strengths as they've struggled to overcome personal and bureaucratic obstacles. All received important assistance from nonprofit organizations supported by the Ms. Foundation for Women, the pioneer funding entity of microenterprise programs in the United States. Updated with a new epilogue.

Genres: Business

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short stories of the eleven women in this book are encouraging. The authors do a great job in the presentation of their stories. The women overcome incredible obstacles and are active in helping others as well. The book is very straight forward; the women reveal their mistakes and triumphs. Many of the women share a faith in divine assistance in creating better lives for their families. I'm in awe of their courage and stamina. They are living the American dream.