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When publishing company Harper & Row merged to become Harper Collins, the company outsourced their website and branding, leaving previous designers like Liz Reitman with only a fraction of their former jobs. Instead of becoming demoralized, Liz used the opportunity to start her own design firm, reitdesign. Since then, she’s developed a successful business with 11 employees — but she wouldn’t have been able to reach this goal without some assistance.
When Liz started her business, she had strong design talents, but lacked business skills. In 2013, Liz decided to get certified with the city as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) so that she could begin competing for government contracts. She’s been awarded several contracts and smaller projects, and the stable cash flow that government work provides has given Liz and her business greater security.
Liz grew her company for the next two years, but struggled with managing the company’s finances and employees. In 2015, Liz learned about the Strategic Steps for Growth Program for Media, Entertainment, and Technology entrepreneurs from an e-mail sent by the NYC Department of Small Business Services. Through the program, she learned new business skills, was inspired to find a more efficient bookkeeper, and discovered the benefits of obtaining financial credit. She also learned how to manage her employees more effectively.
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“I’ve been in business over 20 years and was astounded by the take-aways I experienced every month. The team sessions, mentor support, experts from the field, NYU professors, Harvard Review readings, assignments—touch on every aspect of running a business. There’s no way you could walk away not energized and ready to change things up!” Liz remarked.
