The Alameda County Board of Women’s Initiative for Self Employment is partnering with The San Francisco Business Times to recognize 15 female entrepreneurs throughout Alameda County for their success in sustainable small business enterprise. The time to recognize these women is now, because they are vital components of America’s economic recovery. According to Carla Foster, Alameda County Women’s Initiative Board Member, “Research has shown that it is entrepreneurs who will pull us out of this recession and women in particular will do what it takes to support their families.”

Nominations are being accepted now until August 28^th. One woman from Oakland will be recognized as Oakland Woman Business Owner of the Year 2009. In order to be considered for the award, the female entrepreneur must: “1) Have been successful despite the barriers that exist for woman business owners, 2) Exemplify how business ownership and leadership is beneficial for women, 3) Have a positive impact on local community or the community at large, and/or 4) Advance their field through innovation.” The winner will be recognized in The San Francisco Business Times, The San Jose Business Journal, on the Women’s Initiative website, and through various other media and events in the Bay Area.

If you want to show a female entrepreneur in Oakland how much you appreciate what she does every day, click here to nominate her for Oakland Woman Business Owner of the Year 2009. To learn more about the Women’s Initiative, visit their website at www.womensinitiative.org.