Sam’s Club® Provides Resources, Support for Women Entrepreneurs

It is important to Sam’s Club that its members’ businesses succeed. That’s why the company developed a series of articles to help inform members about facts and changes influencing the small-business climate. These articles help small businesses distance themselves from their competition by offering advice and information to its owners and operators. Leticia Velez-Hudson, president/CEO of Chicago Mini Bus Travel, Inc., has contributed to the sixth piece in the educational series, particularly addressing the issues women face in today’s small-business marketplace. Sam’s Club aims to help women entrepreneurs and small-business members stand out in the marketplace and find the support and resources they need to grow their businesses.

“Women-owned businesses are increasing at twice the rate of all businesses today and have done so for nearly three decades,” Velez-Hudson said. “There are many resources to help these and other women succeed in owning and running their own businesses. In this article, we aim to bring those resources to our female business members so they can continue to increase their business shares.”

The article, titled Survival Guide for the Woman Entrepreneur/Small-Business Owner, offers women entrepreneurs and small-business owners insights into the trends and impacts women are making in the marketplace. It also gives them advice before they jump in and take the plunge to run their own businesses. Information about resources and a woman’s entrepreneurial success story are also included, along with a detailed example of a small-business plan.

Sam’s Club estimates more than 600,000 small-business owners or their employees walk through its doors every day. In addition to quality products, Sam’s Club also offers small-business members access to affordable health insurance and other services, such as merchant credit card processing solutions and time-saving solutions including online ordering through its “Click n’ Pull” ordering process.

Business members can shop at Sam’s Club when it’s convenient for them, with clubs open seven days a week and special early shopping hours exclusively for Business and Plus members. And unlike most distributors, Sam’s Club does not require long-term contracts or minimum purchases which can keep inventory costs lower and help with cash flow. Members can simply buy what they need, when they need it.

Additionally, the opportunity to request a cost comparison is available at any Sam’s Club location by calling 800-726-7258 or going online to samsclub.com/smallbusinesswhere related resources and tips from business owners are also available.

Sam’s Club estimates it identified more than $781 million in savings for small businesses in 2009 and its associates contacted more than 300,000 small businesses to help them identify ways they could be saving during its Small Business Savings Drive.

The Sam’s Club commitment extends beyond its business members to the communities where its members live and work. Sam’s Club supports the Small Business Administration, the National Restaurant Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business, whose initiatives protect the interests of small businesses.

To read this entire article or to find more helpful tips for running a small business, visit the Sam’s Club website at samsclub.com/smallbusiness.

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About Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE:WMT). The first Sam’s Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam’s Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, as well as in Brazil, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam’s Club saves its members on average 30.4 percent over grocery and specialty retailers by offering superior values on quality merchandise and services for home or work. Saving is made simple at Sam’s Club. Visit samsclub.comfor more information.