New businesses are being created in the United States today in unprecedented numbers. According to some statistics, there are about 28 million businesses in the country. Of these, small businesses account for 22 million -- maybe more, depending on who does the counting.
Millions of start-ups are launched each year. In the last two years, the number has exploded. What is happening seems to reflect the growing optimism resulting from tax reduction and regulation streamlining, This, plus heightened consumer confidence, are in play here.
Of the millions of new businesses being launched in recent years, most are owned and operated by women. In the past 15 years, the number of women-owned businesses has grown faster than men-owned businesses. Three women-owned local businesses are covered below.
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) approves loans made by lenders to businesses. According to Harry Menta, specialist with SBA Newark, approvals for women-owned businesses in New Jersey amounted to $128.4 million for 454 loans in the fiscal year ending 30 Sept. 2018.
"Of the 454 loans approved (for women-owned businesses), 174 of those loans went to existing businesses for $45 million and 280 loans for $83.4 million went to start-up companies," he said. The top lender for these was TD Bank, followed by Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Santander and NewBank.
Hunterdon women received 13 SBA-type loans amounting to $5.1 million in the year ending 30 Sept. 2018. Women in three surrounding counties (Somerset, Warren, and Mercer taken together) received approvals for a total of 37 loans amounting to $14 million.
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"I've always wanted to start my own business," said Jamie Saquicela. She was a hair stylist for over 10 years, and she always had a great interest in makeup and skin care.
When her son was born, she began making skin care products using essential oils. She started offering and demonstrating her special concoctions at bridal showers, farmers markets and pop-up events.
All her products are her own special natural and organic formulations. Some of her favorite inputs include jasmine, rose, lavender and Calendula, along with Himalayan and Dead Sea salts. Body butters and sugar scrubs can be blended and her products can help with difficult skin problems like rashes and acne.
She began by holding workshops and teaching sessions, and she has offered her products in shops and salons in northern New Jersey and at shore operations.
This early business growth has taken some time. But now comes the special reward.
"I'm just opening up my own shop in Clinton," Jamie told me. "It's at 69 Main St. and I'm aiming for a December opening." All the preliminary work takes lots of work -- and time.
For more information, call Jamie at 908-878-9607 and visit NaturalBeautyByJamie.com or Facebook.com/NaturalBeauty3131.
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Susan Dempster has turned crafting into a coast-to-coast business. In the past, she operated a full service florist and subsequently, a restaurant. Eighteen months ago, she set up her new business. She calls it Fun To Create.
"Creating is a natural destressor," Susan said. "And it is a great team-builder."
She can work with both small and large groups. Sessions involve all levels of gatherings -- including private parties, corporate groups, team builders, retirement communities, long term care facilities, marketing directors, fundraisers, homeschoolers, hospitals and others. Her work has taken her all over New Jersey, plus sessions in Pennsylvania, Virginia and California. She is a nationally certified activities director.
Susan has her groups work with fresh flowers, wind chimes, wreaths, mosaics, jewelry, essential oils, cornucopias, herb gardens and other crafting items. The aim is to get people involved and in touch with their own creativity. They leave her sessions with renewed confidence, emotionally charged, and ready to explore their own unique individuality.
"I come in with all the supplies and instructions," she explained. Locally, Susan has worked with the Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center, and she will be holding a session at Hunterdon Adult Education on Nov. 29 making grapevine wreaths.
For more information, call 540-336-8346 and visit FunToCreate.net where you will find a photo gallery of past sessions and creativity.
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Kim Mulligan has been doing hand lettering since high school. In June of this year, she established her business, Kimpressions LLC.
"Everything I do is done completely by hand and free hand -- no stencils -- so everything can be customized," she said.
Kim has created menus for restaurants, whole walls of lettering, logos, wedding invitations, business signs, gifts for showers and housewarmings, pre-made signs, and more.
"Some of my signs are available for sale at Yoga+Bare Haven in High Bridge," she said. "And I make a ton of Clinton-themed signs featuring the Red Mill."
She will be at the Christmas Craft Fair at Robert Hunter Elementary, 8 Dayton Road, Flemington, on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. Also, she will be at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Flemington United Methodist Church, 116 Main St. on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kim will be at the Makers Market, JP Case Middle School, 301 Case Blvd., Flemington.
For more information, call Kim at 908-524-1690 and visit Facebook.com/KimpressionsLLC.
Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 or AlWarr16@gmail.com.