A recent study by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that women now own 40 percent of private firms and that women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion in revenue and employ 16 percent of the workforce, making them significant players in the national economy.

In order to help spur the creation of new women-owned businesses and supporting existing firms, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire and Women Inspiring Women will host the New Hampshire Conference for Women on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SERESC Conference and Training Center, 29 Commerce Drive, Bedford, NH.

“This is a great opportunity to not only celebrate the many outstanding female business leaders in the state, but to also encourage budding female entrepreneurs to make their business dreams a reality in the Granite State,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy.

The day will include five educational sessions, exhibitors and networking and begins with the “Learn, Grow and Succeed” panel discussion featuring Cathy Schmidt, President of Citizens Bank NH, Beth Roberts – VP, Northern New England, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Teresa Rosenberger – NH State President of Fairpoint Communications and Deb Titus – Managing Director of Dale Carnegie NH. It will be moderated by Leslie Sturgeon of Women Inspiring Women.

Other sessions include “Turning a Transition into a Triumph” with Nancy McCabe, “Developing Your Personal Power” with Lauran Star Raduazo, and “Make More Time for You: End the Overwhelm” with Rosemary Tator. The day concludes with “Girl Talk: An Inspirational Conversation with Sharron McCarthy,” who is President of McLean Communications and serves as the publisher of New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Home Magazine and Parenting NH Magazine.

As a result of a generous contribution from the NH Division of Economic Development and Public Service Company of New Hampshire, the registration price is only $25 and includes lunch. NH Business Review is serving as the media sponsor for the event. Reservations are needed and space is limited. Contact Women Inspiring Women at (603) 744-0400 or visit www.wiwnh.com for more information and to register.

According to Leslie Sturgeon, founder and president of Women Inspiring Women, “This will not only be a day of inspiration, education and transformation but a day filled with fun surprises, exhibitors, door prizes and great networking as well.”

Women Inspiring Women was founded in 2007 in the Lakes Region by Sturgeon to give women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get together at educational, fun and inspirational events on a monthly basis. Since that time the organization has expanded to Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Bedford and the Seacoast, hosts bi-weekly events, and quickly become the state’s largest organization for women’s empowerment, personal development and networking.