Female entrepreneurs rally in Hagerstown to celebrate National Small Business Week

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — For 50 years, communities across the U.S. have observed National Small Business Week.

This year, Western Maryland is showcasing female entrepreneurship.

Nationwide, more than 16 million businesses have launched in just the past five years. But fewer than one in four are women-owned.

“The presumption is that the boy is in charge,” Chandra Metz, owner of C & M Lawncare, said. “That has to be thrown out the window. I can’t tell you how many calls I get in a week asking if they can speak with the owner and I’m like ‘this is she.’”

Hagerstown is showcasing female business owners in a big way to celebrate the week.

“At least half our downtown businesses are owned by women,” Brittany Arizmendi, engagement officer for the City of Hagerstown, said. “They can have an idea and bring that idea to life here as an entrepreneur.”

Melissa Dimercurio is a marketing specialist who coaches small business owners on getting a competitive edge and shares her perspective with entrepreneurs who are women.

“Go out for coffee, go out for lunch with one of your competitors and talk about the challenges you share, the success that you’re having,” Dimercurio said. “Work with each other.”

Shelley McIntire is a downtown business owner. She launched The Alpine Plant Bar, specializing in high-end cocktails. She says now is a good time to take the entrepreneurial plunge.

“I think if you’re interested in starting a business, downtown Hagerstown is the place to go right now,” McIntire said. “There’s a lot of energy, a lot of buzz and while it may be overwhelming and challenging it’s absolutely worth it.”

Any women interested in becoming an entrepreneur should contact the Washington County Greater Hagerstown Chamber of Commerce and click here.