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2 SEP 2011 | 09:00AM | Posted by: New York Stock Exchange

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence at NYSE

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence visits the NYSE to recognize the national efforts of the non-profit organization in supporting significant growth among women-owned businesses in the United States from micro businesses into million dollar enterprises. In honor of the occasion, Nell Merlino, Founder and President, Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, rings The Opening Bell SM, joined by esteemed members of the Make Mine a Million $ Business (M3) event steering committee, elected officials, long-time sponsors, and women business owners who have both benefited and hope to benefit from the power of the M3 program.

This powerful mix will encompass nationally lead and small women-owned and run businesses, and the wide range of support committed to supporting and growing women-owned businesses in the United States.

About Count Me In and Make Mine a Million $ Business

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses into million dollar enterprises. Count Me In launched Make Mine a Million $ Business (M3) with founding sponsor American Express OPEN to inspire one million women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to a million dollars in revenue by providing tools, skills and support of a nation-wide community of peers.

US Census statistics indicate that while women-owned businesses represented nearly 50% of privately held companies in the US, only 2.6% of those businesses are at $1 million or more in annual revenues, compared to 6% of men-owned firms. In fact most women-owned businesses are at $50,000 or less in revenues. Since its introduction in 2005, 28% of program participants have reached the million dollar threshold. CMI’s goal is to bring 1,000 women owned businesses to or beyond $1 million in annual revenues through the program, generating $1Billion in economic impact and at least 25,000 sustainable jobs nationwide. (Source: Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence)