If you work in the corporate world or in any large organization, you probably have access to a 401(k) plan. You can save there and even get a match from your employer. Easy-peasy.

But if you own a business, run a professional practice, or work as an independent contractor, you may be realizing that your corporate friends have way more money saved than you for retirement. Maybe you have considered a retirement plan for your business, but you haven’t had a chance to research your options. Here is a quick guide to get started:

There are real financial benefits to READ MORE »

Most small businesses are very tiny consisting of one person or maybe just a few people. With how much work running a business takes, it’s no wonder so many of us get burned out! At some point or another most of us will ask ourselves if the time is right to hire an employee, assistant or intern. Here are a few resources that will help you navigate the process when the time is right for you:

Starting and growing a business isn’t cheap but sometimes getting funding is more trouble than it’s worth and it can certainly be harder than it seems. Luckily, there are some new financing options on the horizon. Here are some helpful resources that will help you determine what, if any, outside business financing is right for you:

we wanted to share this great event with you! Early-Bird Pricing until the 25th! Mashable is proud to announce the first ever Social Good Conference. The Social Good Conference, being held at the prestigious 92nd Street Y in New York City on August 28th, will be a one-day educational event celebrating the finale of the Summer of Social Good charitable campaign. The conference will feature presentations from well known and respected organizations and professionals within the space focused on the theme of “Social Media for Social Good”. Thanks to our sponsors, Zappos and MailChimp, 100% of READ MORE »

Archived versions of our monthly member digest are now available!!

For those who haven’t read them before, the digest is our way of sharing with you (women business owners, entrepreneurs – aspiring or otherwise) some of the best news on small business ideas, models, and innovation that we discover. The content has been filtered because it makes us think differently and critically about entrepreneurship and our business. We hope it will challenge and enhance your thinking too!

In each Digest you will find at least 4 sections:

Mindset: Topic-based thoughts from Adelaide Fives & Amy AbramsBusiness LookBook: An interesting, innovative, and thought-generating business or business concept.Clippings: Relevant and thought-provoking articles and newsMusings: A recap of READ MORE »

I wanted to let you all know about a fantastic upcoming event sponsored by O at Home and O, The Oprah Magazine on Thurs., August 21st from 7-9pm. The theme, Comfort at Home, is taken up by experts who will be addressing those most essential home elements: finances, food, and furnishing!

Financial expert Jean Chatzky will be speaking about finding your financial comfort zone. Interior designer, Thom Filicia from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, will be giving advice READ MORE »

I am very excited to attend the next Entrepreneur Training Session facilitated by Golden Seeds on July 30th. It seems like an amazing opportunity to learn about pitching your company to angel investors, raising equity capital, and company valuation. I am including the event information below in case anyone wants to join me. What a wonderful way to learn from these incredible women! I am interested to meet the other participants as well…Entrepreneur TrainingHalf day educational training session to prepare you to successfully raise equity capital from angel investorsWHEN: July 30th, 9am-1pmWHERE: 750 Lexington Ave. READ MORE »

I came across another interesting book on the power of female friendship to add to your summer reading list. Here is a quote from the author, “Being Assertive is always good for friendship because it shows you’re willing to own your needs and that you can be trusted to pull your own weight.” – Paul Dobransky, M.D., author of The Power of Female Friendship

Additions from Malia and Carol Mills to the Summer Reading Book List!

Malia and Carol Mills referenced two books that they have found very valuable in thinking about their business practices.

Naturally, they are being added to my summer reading list! I can’t wait for days on the dock at the lake with my books! Yay, June vacation.Hug Your Customer, by Jack Mitchell

** And they really practice what they preach! We all got to benefit from the Hug Your Customer principle with the lovely READ MORE »

Mamapalooza, headed by mom rocker Joy Rose, is a national force that is hosting a weekend packed full of fantastic events from May 17th-18th in NYC. Join in this unique opportunity!MAMAPALOOZA Workshop EventsA day of Love, Life Coaching, Health, Music, Autobiographical Storytelling Workshops and Panels.WHEN: Sat, May 17th, 11-4pmWHERE: NOLA STUDIOS250 West 54th StTO REGISTER: CLICK HERE ** Includes presentation by IGC Member Jen Edwards of Relaxation on the Go!**MAMAPALOOZA Outdoor ExtravaganzaFull Day of Kid’s Activities, Mom Rock Bands, Face-Painting, Food, READ MORE »