WKREDA Recognizes Women in Business Throughout Western Kansas

Western Kansas has a diverse workforce with women playing a huge role. Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. According to an article from Score.org, as of 2019 women-owned businesses in the U.S. employed 9.4 million workers plus generated revenues of $1.9 trillion. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several resources for women entrepreneurs. Along with many others, SBA celebrates National Women’s Small Business Month during the month of October which provides an opportunity to recognize the plethora of achievements of women-owned businesses throughout the U.S. With National Women’s Small Business Month coming up in October, now is the perfect time to begin celebrating and supporting women-owned small businesses if you haven’t already started.

Women-Owned Businesses in Western Kansas

To celebrate women entrepreneurs, WKREDA would like to share some of the successful women-owned businesses in Western Kansas. 

Curtis Machine Company, Inc.

Curtis Machine Company in Dodge City, KS designs and manufactures gears, gearboxes, and precision machined parts. Although it was originally founded by Stuart Curtis, Sr. in 1946, today it is owned by Janie Curtis who has been with the company for decades. Curtis Machine Company is not only ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D Quality Certified, but now it is also a certified woman-owned small business in Western Kansas. 

PlainJan's

PlainJan’s in Scott City, KS is a commercial livestock pest management company that also sells custom-printed chore gloves and more. Not only do these gloves sell to customers in all 50 U.S. states, but they also sell to customers located in Canada. Jan Huck founded PlainJan’s in 1987 and her daughter Ali Huck Cline is now responsible for managing the company’s day-to-day operations, making it women-owned and women-operated. 

Wedding Connections + Events

Offering wedding planning, event planning, and decorating services, Wedding Connections + Events is located on Main Street in Downtown Hays, KS. Kayci Schumacher founded Wedding Connections + Events in 2008 to provide customers with the event that they envisioned for a reasonable price. Schumacher had always dreamed of becoming a wife, mother, and business owner and she was able to make her dreams come true. 

Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine

There are plenty of women-owned dining options throughout Western Kansas. Melanie Elder is the owner of Melanie’s Kitchen Asian Cuisine on Main Street in Quinter, KS.

Erin’s Home Cooked Fresh Foods

Erin Wright owns Erin’s Home Cooked Fresh Foods serving meals and sweets homemade from scratch in Sharon Springs, KS. Erin’s food truck is open Fridays from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Western Kansas is made up of 55 counties, so these are only a few of the women-owned businesses in the region. Some of the best and most convenient ways to support these businesses are to purchase their products and services, leave them positive reviews, and share their posts on social media. Or share some success stories and positive facts about women in business on social media to encourage young women to become entrepreneurs.

WKREDA is Here to Assist Your Women-Owned Business

If you’re a woman looking to start or expand your business, call us today at (800) 982-3501 or email us at wkreda.ks@gmail.com. We would love to hear your ideas and help you grow your business!