Write Team: Breaking Barriers: A tribute to La Salle County’s women entrepreneurs

In a recent conversation, I found myself explaining a fact that many today find almost unimaginable.

Not so long ago, women in the U.S. couldn’t solely sign for a business loan without a male co-signer. That moment of disbelief from the other person was a reminder of how far we’ve come – and how much we owe to the resilience and determination of entrepreneurs who paved the way.

When I started my business in Chicago in 1988, I was met with this stark reality. I had the vision, the drive and the determination to succeed. What I lacked, however, was the legal autonomy to open a business account or secure a loan without the signature of a man. It didn’t matter if that man had no stake in my venture; his signature carried the weight mine couldn’t.

That same year, President Ronald Reagan signed the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 into law, marking a turning point for women entrepreneurs. This landmark legislation did more than just eliminate the male co-signer requirement; it also provided federal support for women-owned businesses, established the Women’s Business Centers network and required the U.S. Census Bureau to collect data on women-owned businesses for the first time. For countless women like me, it was more than just a law – it was an affirmation of our right to dream and build independently.

Here in La Salle County, the women who own and operate businesses embody this legacy of resilience. From downtown boutiques and family-owned restaurants to innovative startups and multigenerational businesses, these women contribute to the economic vitality and unique character of our community. Many of them had to overcome barriers – some visible, others silent but no less real.

These stories deserve to be celebrated. They remind us that progress isn’t inevitable; it’s earned through persistence and the willingness to challenge the status quo. They also underscore the importance of honoring the people who helped tear down these barriers and supporting those still working to build something extraordinary.

I’d like to dedicate this tribute to each and every incredible entrepreneur in La Salle County who faces the many challenges of their dreams.

Local businesses are the heart and soul of a community, contributing so much to the success and identity of that community. You inspire us with your courage, creativity and commitment. May we never forget the struggles that came before and continue to work toward an even more equitable future for all.

And to those who doubted it was ever that way, I don’t blame you. Progress sometimes makes us forget how restrictive the past was. But let’s remember, learn and celebrate how far we’ve come.

Sally M. Van Cura is executive director of La Salle County Court Appointed Special Advocates and has held many other leadership roles for nonprofit organizations throughout the Illinois Valley.