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Small Biz Musings: The Gray Wave: Why Women Are Leaving

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July 21, 2025

Small Biz Musings: The Gray Wave: Why Women Are Leaving

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Kim Bode
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In our early days, we didn’t know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for our growth, so we ‘winged’ it.

Then, when we hit our target revenue and employees, we were stuck in the business and had no time to work on it.

It’s exhausting, and we were sick of watching other women-owned small businesses go through the same thing.

So, we built what we needed.

The Women’s Owners Network: The program for what comes first.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: The program for what comes after.

Each program is built, taught, and led by business owners for business owners,
because no one understands your journey better than those who have been there.

Apply. Do it for you, because if you don’t build and maintain that foundation, you’re walking away from your business.
https://sbamwef.org/apply/

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18445961302123742

In our early days, we didn’t know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for our growth, so we ‘winged’ it.

Then, when we hit our target revenue and employees, we were stuck in the business and had no time to work on it.

It’s exhausting, and we were sick of watching other women-owned small businesses go through the same thing.

So, we built what we needed.

The Women’s Owners Network: The program for what comes first.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: The program for what comes after.

Each program is built, taught, and led by business owners for business owners,
because no one understands your journey better than those who have been there.

Apply. Do it for you, because if you don’t build and maintain that foundation, you’re walking away from your business.
https://sbamwef.org/apply/

I’ve always loved color, funky patterns and I guess fashion in general. Fun fact, I used to write a fashion column for Grand Rapids Magazine. I started with the always iconic brands, Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe - I believe this is what they call throwaway fashion? I couldn’t afford anything else, and I hated the idea of wearing the same thing week after week.

Since then, I’ve refined my taste a bit, and Anthro is my store of choice along with JCrew, Ann Taylor (when it’s not trending towards dowdy + Mennonite) and women-owned brands like Bee + Fox for graphic statement tees.

What hasn’t changed is the fun I have with color, patterns, shoes, and accessories. It’s part of my personal brand and how you show up in person is just as, if not more important than how you show up online.

This is personal branding, it’s your Big Deal Energy.

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18109443425146205

@dodgejd is a business owner, friend and a HUGE supporter of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship…he also serves as a mentor.

All of our mentors are business owners who have been operating for at least 10 years, are also second-stage and have an expertise the cohort of WOSBs need.

So, this is your reminder to apply: www.sbamwef.org - applications close on September 15 (you probably have an extra day or two - cause I’m traveling).

@smallbusinessassocofmichigan

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18113243452822156

@dodgejd is a business owner, friend and a HUGE supporter of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship…he also serves as a mentor.

All of our mentors are business owners who have been operating for at least 10 years, are also second-stage and have an expertise the cohort of WOSBs need.

So, this is your reminder to apply: www.sbamwef.org - applications close on September 15 (you probably have an extra day or two - cause I’m traveling).

@smallbusinessassocofmichigan

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