Entrepreneurs are one of the main engines of the economy, and crucial to a solid recovery from the current recession. It is small businesses, those with less than 500 employees, which provide the most jobs in the U.S. These small businesses are often the creations of a driven entrepreneur, with a vision of their own company.

Last week, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal presented Amy Mayer, founder and president of BI Consulting Group, with the 2009 Young Entrepreneur Award. The award is in recognition of her work as an up-and-coming outstanding entrepreneur and business owner who is making a mark in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

"I am thrilled to be chosen for this prestigious honor," stated Amy Mayer, President, BI Consulting Group. "The fact that I was nominated is evidence of the entrepreneurial spirit and level of innovation that has placed BICG at the forefront of our industry."

Women entrepreneurs are a major force in the economy. According to Entrepreneur.com, women own 10.6 million businesses in the United States and employ one in every seven employees - about 19.1 million people.