5 Women Who Know How to Run a Small Business

According to a report released by American Express, the increase in the number of women-owned small businesses has outpaced the national growth by approximately 50 percent.

In 2011, there were more than 8 million women-owned businesses in the country, which generated a combined revenue of close to $1.3 trillion and employed more than 7.5 million people. Women entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly successful because of their good networking skills and creative ability to stand out from their competitors.

Here are 5 women who own successful small businesses:

Shelley Armato, owner and president of MySmartPlans

Shelley Armato developed an interest in construction because of her husband's involvement in the construction industry.

She realized that communication was not well-coordinated in many construction sites and decided to start a project management firm called MySmartPlans to enable project managers to centralize information.

She came up with the idea of posting contract proposals, emails, pictures and other materials on a dashboard, so that they can be conveniently accessed. This resulted in a more streamlined communication process.

According to Armato, entrepreneurs who wish to succeed need to have the courage to ask big questions.

Tracy Thomas, CEO of Bulk or Liquid Transport

In 2006, Tracy Thomas and her husband founded Bulk or Liquid Transport, a transportation company that delivers liquid sweeteners to food processors.

The company has grown significantly over the years, increasing its tanker fleet by more than 30 percent.

Thomas is presently trying to develop speedier delivery methods and exploring the possibility of delivering other kinds of products. She advised entrepreneurs to consider all possible outcomes when making decisions and take control of the destinies of their companies.

Kourtney Govro, CEO of Sphere3

Kourtney Govro started her software solutions firm, Sphere3, about five years ago.

Her company provides software solutions to healthcare organizations to enable them to manage their operations and finances with greater efficiency.

Govro said that aspiring entrepreneurs have to plan carefully before they start their businesses and show their business plans to people who can be trusted.

Cathy Hull, Franchisee of Sylvan Learning Center in New York Capital Region and Syracuse

Cathy Hull is passionate about education and business, and she was able to combine both of her interests when she started becoming a Sylvan Learning Center franchisee.

Now, she is the proud owner of four learning centers. Hull stressed the importance of knowing what business ownership entails and getting assistance from local entrepreneurial support groups.

Stephanie Isaacson, president of New Horizons Enterprises

In just three years, Stephanie Isaacson managed to grow her start-up business into a firm with 30 employees.

New Horizons Enterprises offers an extensive range of waste management and environmental services, from hazardous waste removal to mold inspection.

According to Isaacson, business owners need to invest in employees in order to succeed.

The above-mentioned entrepreneurs have proven that women can do as well as men in the business world.

By following their advice, aspiring women entrepreneurs can increase the odds of making their business dreams come true.