Local Success of DC-based Her Corner Leads to National Expansion

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Her Corner, a community for women business owners that has seen enormous growth in the D.C. Metro area celebrated its two-year anniversary by announcing a national expansion. Her Corner will be adding new membership levels and benefits, including access to discounted services and resources in order to help members accelerate growth and lower operating costs.

Frederique Irwin, founder and CEO, started Her Corner in 2012 with the idea that women entrepreneurs could be much more successful if they collaborated with one another. Her Corner has grown into a community of women entrepreneurs ranging from marketing experts, lawyers to bakers and manufacturers.

"When a woman wants to grow her business but doesn't know how, that's where Her Corner can help. We dispel the notion that you have to do everything on your own by making collaboration easier and more effective," said Irwin. "Our members can make more informed decisions in a shorter amount of time by tapping into their Her Corner peers and subject-matter experts."

Women are opening businesses at a rate of nearly 1300 each day, which is 47% more than the national average. Today there are 9 million women-owned businesses contributing $1.3 trillion to the economy and creating 8 million jobs. However, the growth story for individual businesses isn't as bright, meaning that women-owned businesses could be making an even bigger contribution to economic growth.

Irwin looked at the main reasons why women businesses aren't thriving and built Her Corner to address those obstacles:

• Increase collaboration through in-person meetings and online communities
• Provide access to role models who have successfully built their own brands

The approach is working. In Her Corner's annual survey, 73% of members reported having grown their business. The success of this collaboration has resonated with members in the D.C. region and with women across the country. The new memberships and national roll out responds to the inquiries that Her Corner has received from women across the U.S. and globally.

"We're changing the growth story for women-owned businesses. Beyond opening businesses, let's make it easier for women to grow them at a faster rate. The best way to do that is to provide more membership opportunities at a national level, while continuing to promote a culture of support and accountability," said Irwin.

The national rollout strategy for Her Corner includes a free "Community" level membership. This level is open to women who are building their own brand and are committed to growth.

About Her Corner

Her Corner was founded in 2012 and is a community for women business owners who want to collaborate with others in order to grow their businesses. Members enjoy professionally facilitated peer group sessions during which they connect, collaborate, and drive business growth for themselves - and each other. You can learn more at www.hercorner.org

Contact: Amanda Magoffin
Phone: 1.888.642.6310 x2

SOURCE Her Corner