Minority- and women-owned small companies are transforming the business landscape of this country. Although late in the game, due to social and economic challenges, said businesses will be here to stay. Based on recent figures, the United States has 12.3 million women-owned businesses. Sixty-four percent (64%) of them are started by women of color last year. These women-led firms generate an estimated $1.8 trillion of profits per year. Among them, private tech companies led by women reap 35% higher ROI.
Building a consumer base is not a walk in the park for minority- and women-owned small businesses. For instance, customers frequently associate operational support when hiring from minority- and women-owned suppliers at the corporate level. But in reality, there are a wide variety of industries that they can support: from finance, legal up to information technology. Not to boost this article so much but our highlighted employer for this write-up is not only part of a minority, not just a woman proprietor, but also a proud service-disabled veteran. Even better, she has founded a virtual cybersecurity (technology) company.
Theresa (Teri) Blackwell-Frank started Virtuo Group Corporation in 2001 after she has gathered decades of experiences in data management, systems integration, application modernization and mobile application, and SharePoint proficiency. Teri served the United States Air Force for 7 years as Medical Systems Administrator. After she got out, she explored positions in software and systems engineering. With her combined diligence and excellence, she proceeded to lead prestigious organizations, such as: IBM, HP, DLA, USAID, and NCR.
Now, 22 years later, Virtuo Group Corporation is not only a recognized name in the cybersecurity industry but most certainly an award-winning one. The company’s “adopt and go” methodology guarantees early and sizable success for complex projects. It can deliver quality results that promises to scale well and avoid late-stage surprises to cost, schedule, and capability commitments. Its end-to-end cybersecurity and business consulting services are backed by experts in their field with individual professional experiences that span decades.
The company leader's military background inculcated a genuine commitment to excellence and service. The work ethic strived within and by Virtuo Group is not just good but outstanding.
Virtuo Group Corporation's technological solutions portfolio include:
As of this writing, Virtuo Group Corp is actively hiring talented and enthusiastic Cybersecurity Engineers. Benefits include but not limited to: rewarding salary, health insurance coverage, dental insurance, 401k matching, LTD, STD, and more!
As stated in the beginning of this blog, minority- and women-owned small businesses can become the solution to our faltering economy. When doors of opportunities are opened to diverse suppliers, customers can hire employees and purchase goods and services with revenues retained within the community. If there is an increase in the demand of hiring locally or from minority- and women-led businesses in the area, people in the community will have more spending power for their households and families.
There can be a positive chain reaction and ripple effect of indirect and induced spending. The taxes generated by this cycle of better wages and increased sales can pave the way for additional economic benefits to diverse communities where they are being generated.
Support a small business especially when its figurehead comes from disadvantaged areas of the society. Doing so will allow you to level the playing field of livelihood and economic opportunities at the grassroots. As Forbes Magazine has put it: "When a minority- [and woman-] owned business wins, we all win."