Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs

How Eleven Women Escaped Poverty And Became Their Own Bosses
by Martha Shirk, Anna S. Wadia

Mar 11, 2004
Paperback
US $16.95
CAN $20.50
UK £11.99
ISBN: 9780813342238
ISBN-10: 0813342236
Published by Basic Books

 

Description

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.

Reviews


"For many Americans, being your own boss is the American Dream - entrepreneurship the next frontier. If that is the case, then women are leading the way, and Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs shows us how and why."
— Senator John Kerry,

"Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs demonstrates that self-employment works across spectrum of industries and for a variety of women. Even more important, the stories of these women show success."
Association for Economic Opportunity

"A must read for those seeking inspiration to start their own small business."
Cedar Park Hill Country News

?If you want to be inspired, this book if for you.?
Entrepreneur Magazine

?Worthwhile reading for aspiring entrepreneurs, social workers, students, and policy makers.?
Choice

?[These women are] living proof that no matter how bad your circumstances look, there's always a way out.?
The Dallas Morning News

?If you still think you don't have what it takes to start your own business, then Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs by Martha Shirk and Anna Wadia is required reading...You'll be inspired by their stories even as you learn from their mistakes.?
BookPage

??[an] inspiring new book.?
Working Mother

?This book offers excellent insight into the organizational structures that make these successes possible and provides inspiration especially for low-income women who dream of forming their own business.?
Booklist

?Transcends mere puffery. Shirk is a talented reporter and fluid stylist who brings admirable, appropriate passion to her subjects.?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

?Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs provides powerful examples of how everyday women let their dreams transform their lives. The stories are down-to-earth and inspiring: how 11 low-income women have struggled and triumphed in building their own businesses. This book is a celebration of the courage and creativity of women who are using their talents and a lot of determination to break the chains of poverty.?
— Mary Engelbreit, Artist & Entrepreneur

?Women entrepreneurs at the bottom of the economy are creating businesses that give them the flexibility to spend time with their families while earning an income doing something they love. To be inspired by their stories, read this revolutionary book.?
— Gloria Steinem

?Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs is a wonderful and refreshing retort to anyone who has even for a moment doubted that hardworking Americans, empowered to make the most of their own lives, can begin their own small businesses and live out the American Dream. Martha Shirk and Anna S. Wadia share the compelling stories of eleven industrious, entrepreneurial women from across the country who capitalize on their talents and creativity to beat overwhelming odds, improve their lives and those around them, and inspire all of us to do better.?
— Senator John Kerry, (D-MA)

?This book truly exemplifies something I strongly believe in ? the empowerment of women through entrepreneurship. Moving out of poverty is a great accomplishment. But moving from poverty to owning and operating a business is pure inspiration.?
— Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Democratic Member, House Committee on Small Business

?Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs should be required reading in every high school in America! The power of American ingenuity transformed the lives of these women and their families, and this book could inspire young people to succeed no matter what their economic circumstances.?
— Senator Pete V. Domenici, United States Senate

?Women everywhere should be encouraged and inspired by the stories of the remarkable women in Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs. These revealing stories demonstrate how women carry out their own decisions, become independent and transform their lives. This is truly a sign of empowerment.?
— Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women?s Issues

?Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs captures the American experience as lived by entrepreneurial women of diverse backgrounds. A collection of inspirational success stories, this book presents a road map for women determined to beat tough odds and become their own bosses. The Ms. Foundation is to be applauded for its visionary support of women entrepreneurs.?
— Aida Alvarez, former Administrator, US Small Business Administration

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