Press Release

The Center for Women’s Business Research Announces OPEN: The Small Business Network SM To Continue as Corporate Partner

Center for Women’s Business Research  ·  February 10, 2005

As a corporate partner, OPEN from American Express supports the work of the Center in continuing to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women through conducting research and sharing knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. The Center’s research informs private- and public-sector decision makers and policy makers, as well as women entrepreneurs.

“The Center’s relationship with OPEN from American Express is a true partnership on behalf of women business owners,” said Marjorie Alfus, chair, Center for Women’s Business Research. “In addition to their investment in the Center’s research and other projects, OPEN and the Center exchange expertise and ideas that strengthen both organizations.”

“OPEN from American Express and the Center for Women’s Business Research are equally committed to understanding and addressing key issues that impact women entrepreneurs,” said Susan Sobbott, president, OPEN from American Express. “Our continuing relationship with the Center underscores the tremendous value of their research, and helps us empower women through information they need to succeed in the business arena.”

OPEN from American Express supports women entrepreneurs through a variety of initiatives – including sponsorship of events, educational seminars and research – that help women achieve their business goals. OPEN from American Express also offers a wide range of products, financial tools and services to meet the evolving needs of business owners throughout the United States.

Bringing together these two institutions translates into better information and more opportunities for women business owners everywhere. Through research, public speaking forums, and continued opportunities for women business owners, the Center for Women’s Business Research and OPEN from American Express will open new doors not only for women entrepreneurs, but also for those doing business with them.

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Center for Women’s Business Research Center for Women’s Business Research is the premier source of knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. The Center’s mission is to unleash the economic potential of women entrepreneurs by conducting research, sharing information and increasing knowledge about this fast-growing sector of the economy.

Since 1989, the Center for Women’s Business Research has generated research-based intelligence that has helped public- and private-sector leaders, advocates, and individual women business owners make informed strategic decisions for generating greater business opportunities.

OPEN: The Small Business Network^SM from American Express

OPEN: The Small Business Network is the division of American Express that provides small business owners an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings designed to meet their evolving needs, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about the OPEN Network, visit OPEN.americanexpress.com or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a card or loan.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

Note: OPEN from American Express was the exclusive sponsor of “Worth the Risk: Women Business Owners and Growth Capital,” released in June 2004. OPEN was a co-sponsor of “Launching Women-Owned Businesses: A Longitudinal Study of Women’s Business Center Clients,” released in July 2004.

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