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Woman Entrepreneur Builds Successful Construction Business with SBDC Help

As we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, it’s inspiring to highlight the journey of women entrepreneurs who are making their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Theresa Ortiz, the founding principal of 2bn contracting, whose story exemplifies the power of determination, expertise, and strategic planning in building a successful woman-owned business.

From Project Manager to Business Owner

With over 20 years of experience in commercial construction, including 12 years as a project manager, Theresa Ortiz recognized a significant opportunity. She observed firsthand the growing demand for woman- and minority-owned suppliers and subcontractors in the construction industry. This insight and her passion for helping others excel led her to embark on the journey of creating her own consulting and contracting business.

Building a Strong Foundation

Theresa’s path to entrepreneurship was methodical and well-planned. She worked closely with her Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant to navigate the complexities of starting a new business. Key steps in her journey included:

    1. Registering a new LLC in 2021
    2. Carefully planning the transition from employed project manager to business owner
    3. Budgeting for a lean period to support her family during the startup phase
    4. Obtaining crucial certifications to enhance her business’s competitive edge

The Power of Certification

Understanding the importance of certifications in opening doors to new opportunities, Theresa diligently worked to obtain three key designations:

    • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
    • Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC)
    • Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)

These certifications, which took nine months to acquire, have proven invaluable in attracting clients and securing projects.

Growth and Future Prospects

The results of Theresa’s hard work and strategic planning speak for themselves:

    • Projected sales of $500,000 in the current year
    • Hiring of a professional partner
    • Plans to expand with administrative help to focus on business development
The SBDC was a key resource in helping me by being a sounding board, as well as pointing me to the right resources I did not know even existed. This has been a great partnership and I am really glad I had Don there with me.
Theresa Ortiz
Founding Principal

Lessons for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Theresa’s success story offers several valuable insights for other women looking to start their own businesses:

    1. Leverage your industry experience to identify unique opportunities
    2. Seek support from organizations like the SBDC for guidance and resources
    3. Plan carefully for the financial challenges of the startup phase
    4. Invest time in obtaining relevant certifications for your industry
    5. Be patient and persistent – building a successful business takes time

As we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, stories like Theresa’s remind us of the incredible impact women entrepreneurs are making across various industries. By breaking barriers and creating opportunities, these business owners are not only achieving personal success but also paving the way for future generations of women in business.

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