Supporting women supports Arkansas’ economic growth

I recently had the opportunity to represent Arkansas at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis — an international gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders focused on fostering innovation and business growth.

While there, I met a young professional who works in venture capital and startup development. She’s also the mother of three young children. Despite a demanding travel schedule, she found ways to meet the needs of her job and her family. Her story reminded me of so many hardworking Arkansans — those who wear multiple hats, build businesses, and stay committed to making things work, even under pressure.

These are the kinds of leaders I think about when I reflect on the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Women in Business. They represent resilience, resourcefulness, and determination — the kind of qualities that strengthen companies and communities alike.

Growing up in El Salvador, I saw that kind of work ethic every day. My mother, an electrical engineer, started her own business when I was a child to provide more for our family. She worked hard and never complained. That example shaped how I view work, leadership and opportunity. I’ve carried those lessons with me throughout my career.

Today, I serve as director of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. In this role, I have the privilege of supporting entrepreneurs from across the state — many of them women — who are creating jobs, solving problems and investing in their communities. Their contributions often fly under the radar, but their economic impact is real.

Supporting women in business isn’t just good policy, it’s good business. Across the U.S., women-owned businesses generate nearly $2 trillion in revenue and employ more than 10 million people. These businesses are growing at a faster rate than average and are playing a critical role in revitalizing both urban and rural economies.

In Arkansas, we’ve seen firsthand how empowering local business owners, regardless of background, can lift communities and drive long-term growth. As we face workforce shortages and economic shifts, it’s essential that we tap into the full range of talent available. That means removing barriers and ensuring every Arkansan has a chance to contribute, advance and lead.

When I entered the workforce at 21, I was eager and motivated, but often unsure how to move up. I stayed focused, worked hard, and was fortunate to have leaders who opened doors and trusted me with new responsibilities. I’ve never forgotten that. Today, I’m committed to doing the same for others — giving people a fair shot, recognizing potential and building strong teams.

For working parents, especially working moms, support can make all the difference. When I had my son in 2019, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, including day care closures and limited child care options. I’m thankful to have had the support of leaders who worked with me to find solutions. And I repaid that support with loyalty and commitment — qualities any organization would value.

Under the leadership of Gov. Sarah Sanders, Arkansas has expanded support for working families, improved access to child care, and provided greater flexibility for parents in the workplace. She’s also advanced pro-growth policies — cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and investing in workforce development to support businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.

So here’s my ask to business leaders across Arkansas: Take a close look at your teams. What more can you do to support your people, especially those balancing work and family? Are there opportunities to promote from within, streamline flexibility or recognize untapped potential?

Investing in people — especially those who show up every day and give their best — will pay dividends. When we support hard work, reward commitment, and grow talent from within, we don’t just strengthen our businesses, we strengthen Arkansas.

Because when people rise, communities do too. And so does our economy.

Editor’s note: Esperanza Massana Crane is the director of small business and entrepreneurship development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The opinions expressed are those of the author.