Utah is home to an incredible cohort of female entrepreneurs: Here's how you can help that cohort grow even greater.

• Author: Miller, Derek

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE BACKBONE of Utah's economy. Around 90 percent of Utah businesses are small businesses, many of which are owned by women. And the number of women-owned businesses in Utah is continuing to climb.

In fact, the 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express, ranked Utah sixth in the nation for states where, in the last decade, women-owned businesses have most increased their economic clout. Utah is full of inspiring female entrepreneurs seeking to change the face of boardrooms, industries, and small businesses. From my perspective, this will only continue.

This year, we celebrate 150 years of equal suffrage in Utah and are proud of the enterprising spirit of our state and nation's first female voter, Seraph Young. At the time, Young cast her ballot In Salt Lake's city election, she was only 23 and already an educator at the University of Deseret's model school for young pupils. While many aspects of Young's life were ordinary to the time, she exemplified what it means to show up to vote on that day long ago. She broke down barriers and her legacy lives on.

Another example of bold leadership today is Kamea Johnson, founder and owner of Chosen Creative. Johnson started the stationery company which sells cards, wall art, vintage paper products, custom wedding invitations, business logos, and various notepads. She uses bold typography and unique images to create charming designs that inspire creativity in all of us.

While Johnson was recognized as the 2019 Women's Business Center of Utah Entrepreneur of the Year, it was not all smooth sailing from the start. If her story sounds similar to other startups, one of setbacks and mistakes, that's because it is. Ultimately, she used those lessons to lead her to success. Upon receiving the award she said, "I can only hope to inspire other women to never give up on their dreams and reach for the impossible every chance they get."

Women are increasingly entering the tech workspace and climbing the ladder of leadership. Bahar Ferguson, a former attorney and now president of Wasatch IT, sees an IT awakening due to the Coronavirus. While the shift in demand can be attributed to teleworking, it has also increased IT support needs overall. IT in healthcare is booming as well, as frontline...