At a recent forum at Central College, the National Women’s Business Council heard from local women who own or lead businesses about the challenges they face in rural Iowa.

Barb Kniff-McCulla is the owner of KLK construction and a member of the NWBC board; she says small businesses are a critical part of the economy, and women face several challenges as it relates to entrepreneurship.

“There are more small businesses across the rural areas and cities than there are major corporations across the United States, and the women business owners have grown tremendously” she says.

Kniff-McCulla hopes discussions like the one held recently in Pella will help generate more of a spotlight on individuals in rural areas, such as Central Iowa. Hear more about the National Women’s Business Council on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.