ASHTABULA — Retirement lasted less than six days for Ginny Pasha, who took a position helping minorities and women establish and grow their businesses.
“My entire career has been in non-profit leadership,” Pasha said during an interview at the Ashtabula Public Library, where she sets up shop to assist women with business planning.
Pasha said she retired after 18 years as president of the Trumbull County United Way in 2022, before starting with the Youngstown Business Incubator.
“I knew about the YBI,” she said. “I had admired their work.”
Pasha lives in Kinsman, so it made perfect sense to work across the border in Ashtabula County. She said the YBI was able to acquire grant money to hire her to work with area business owners.
“My time in Ashtabula County has really made me aware of the uniqueness of Ashtabula County,” Pasha said. She said she hosts seminars and works one-on-one with women in business to help them learn more about the details of owning and operating a business.
Pasha said she has directly worked with 70 people in their business growth, but touched base with many more in seminars.
Pasha said there are 279 women-owned businesses in Ashtabula County, but many women are making money in a variety of businesses without going through the details to make it official.
Pasha said she hopes to help many of the “side hustles” become official businesses, with all the needed documentation.
That then opens up the businesses for further funding including low interest loans. Pasha said 15% of Ashtabula County businesses are owned by women.
“The two things that are the most important is access to funding and child care,” Pasha said.
Pasha said earlier this year, the Federal Reserve announced women are less likely to be approved for small business loans. She said the YBI is a conduit for the Ohio Department of Development to reduce barriers for budding business owners, including basic financial training.
That training consists of balance sheets and understanding of profit and loss, to name a few.
Pasha said she recently had a business event which included 35 women at a local winery. She said women owning businesses in the area goes back to 1865, when three Irish women started a saloon in the Ashtabula Harbor.
Most of the women-owned businesses in the area are related to the hospitality industry, including food trucks, salons and restaurants.
Pasha said she understands the challenges facing women business owners.
“When I started, it was still an oddity for a woman to be in a place of leadership,” she said.
The YBI helps the businesses get ready to apply for low or no-interest loans through the Ohio Department of Development.
“If you have been in business for at least one year, YBI can help your small business take the next steps,” she said. “YBI offers free workshops for every stage of business on a variety of subjects, from how to get an Employer Identification Number to business planning, to understanding required financial statement.”
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