A catchy name for your store can take you far, and a catchy name for a non-profit can help it stand out in this crowded field. Instead of referring to their organization by its proper name, Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, this organization uses the “Make Mine a Million” slogan that catches everyone’s attention.

The competition to be selected as a business to be helped to the million dollar level is one of the mainstays of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence.  This organization, founded by Nell Merlino — the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day — is dedicated to promoting women’s economic independence through entrepreneurship.  Five thousand women have applied to its popular programs, Make Mine a Million $ Business and its younger sister,  Micro to Millions.

Make Mine a Million $ Business was designed to address the fact that of 10.5 million women entrepreneurs in the U.S., only 3% have hit one million dollars in revenue.  It’s mission is to inspire and support a movement of one million women entrepreneurs to build million-dollar businesses by 2010.

During live events held in cities across the country, Make Mine a Million $ Business accelerates women’s business growth with coaching, marketing, technology assistance and a crucial suite of business-building products.  Women with businesses that earn at least $250,000 in annual revenue and have been in business for at least two years can apply through an application available online. Finalists are selected from the pool of online applicants, and then compete for the award by pitching their business to the audience and a panel of judges at the Make Mine a Million $ Business events.

There have been 140 winners so far, and one of the latest group of seven businesses is a retailer.  Good luck to Princess Jenkins of The Brown Stone on growing her business!

You may not be quite ready to reach for the million dollar brass ring, but there are other ways that Count Me In can help your business.  They host a series of free webinars and conference calls on topics such as Getting an SBA Loan and 10 Marketing Ideas under $100.  These webinars are available on their web site, and there is a free e-mail newsletter that you can sign up for to find out about future events.

The Count Me In website features many articles by experts in the small business field, including topics such as conquering your fear of financials, developing an employee manual, and even how to exit your business.   There is even one on naming your business which says “"Whenever possible, a company name should have personality and attitude.”  Make Mine a Million certainly got that right!

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder