Workforce Innovations

A Small Business Success

Rani Ranjan, CEO – Construction Navigator

When Rani Ranjan needed advice on starting a new business, she turned to the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in San Jose for guidance. There she met with a counselor who helped her set up Construction Navigator, a Web site offering inside information on licensed contractors throughout California.

The idea for the site arose from her frustration in dealing with a particular contractor while working with him to build her dream home. Although others told her that he had a positive reputation, the construction process told a different story. As a result, she created a mathematical system to rate contractors, factoring in such things as the number of years in business and whether there are any liens held against the contractor.

As she prepared to launch the business, Ranjan knew that she required the expertise of an MBA. She contacted SBDC and her counselor helped her devise a business strategy and identify other essential business needs. Just as importantly, the counselor believed in her business idea and provided the moral support she needed to move forward.

"Having someone outside of your company believe in your product is a huge advantage," Ranjan said. "It's really invaluable to have this person excited about your venture. In addition, he was straightforward about what we needed to do to succeed."

According to SVSBDC Director Bill Singh, more than 40 percent of the organization's clients over the past five years have been female entrepreneurs. To other women thinking of starting their own business, Ranjan strongly recommends joining such networking organizations as the Forum of Women Entrepreneurs, the Women in High Tech Coalition, or the Society of Female Entrepreneurs, because "you never know where you'll find your next customers."