3 Things You Should Know About Small Business: June 7

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- What's happening in small business today?

1. Dell launches startup fund; partners with #FixYoungAmerica initiative. Dell(DELL) launched the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, a debt financing initiative that will provide entrepreneurs with up to $100 million in financial and technology resources to maximize the opportunity for innovation, quicker product times to market and job creation.

Startups will receive access to financing from qualified angel and venture-backed companies that invested in the fund, as well as other resources.

"Dell's new credit fund provides credit and access to technology to help fuel global growth and innovation while helping startups preserve precious equity capital for other business needs," said Steve Felice, Dell's president and chief commercial officer.

Dell also partnered with The Young Entrepreneur Council for its #FixYoungAmerica initiative, a national campaign to spark innovative and practical conversations about overcoming unemployment and underemployment.

Today's announcement is the latest among Dell's innovative initiatives, including the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network and recently announced 9-city Small Business tour, aimed at fostering the growth of small and midsize entrepreneurial firms.

The company also launched an expanded "Dell Entrepreneur in Residence" community that includes specialized advice for entrepreneurs who are self-funded, seeking funding or already funded.

2. A "fertile" ground for women-owned businesses. The cottage industry for fertility treatment and holistic practices is growing. Initially, that might have meant a growing number of fertility doctors since about 10% of women ages 15-44 have trouble conceiving or staying pregnant. But it also means that due to the large sums women are willing to spend to get pregnant, businesses including yoga centers, nutritionists, massage therapists, online sites and other services designed to help women get pregnant are exploding, according to Entrepreneur.

What's more interesting about this cottage industry -- and perhaps not surprising -- is that it's women-business owners leading the niche.