As a woman that owns a construction co. In a field dominated by men, what would be the best way to get an advantage by being a female in this field. Are there grants or any advantages to my favor, that I can use to get a leg up on the competition. How do I promote the fact that I am a woman in the field but also surrounded with great construction minded people? Starting up is very trying, do you have any suggestions to assist me in getting my co. rolling?

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Jay’s Answer: There are a number of directories you may choose to list your business in, for example: http://www.sba8a.com/, http://www.womanowned.com/, http://www.wbenc.org/, http://www.crainscleveland.com/section/wob, http://www.feminist.com/market/wombus/, etc.

But first consider what you want your primary benefit to be: a woman-owned business or a great construction company? Are the clients you’re trying to attract looking for a woman-owned business (because they’re women) or does your gender not really enter into their equation?

Finally, are all your employees women as well (so you can use a line like “Woman Know How To Build Homes Better”)?