7 Essential Resources to Help Women-Owned Small Businesses Find Success
Do you know there are nearly 12 million women-owned businesses? And that more than 1,800 businesses were started by women in the U.S. every day in 2019? As more women become entrepreneurs, it's critical that more information and resources are available to elevate these trailblazing professionals. Whether you're just starting out or planning for the year, check out these seven essential resources that may provide the help you need to kick start or grow your business.
National Association of Women Business Owners
Backed by the unified voice of more than 10 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., the National Association of Women Business Owners, or NAWBO, is a membership-based organization that provides an extensive online library geared toward networking and educational opportunities for women. Newsletters and information on conferences are included. You may subscribe to their free online community to access their newsletters.
If you're trying to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, this is the group to join. Awesome Women (AWE) was founded in 2014 and offers women-only networking. At the moment, there are six dues-based chapters. However, AWE is looking for opportunities to expand in other areas. There is free content on their podcast and blog.
SBA Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a valuable resource that can help you launch a new business or ramp up competitiveness for federal contracts in your market. Local Women's Business Centers (WBCs) offer training, counseling, and funding opportunities targeted toward women. Find the center nearest to you for more information on resources, including for women who identify as Native American, a veteran, or LGBT.
Known as the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, WBENC enables women-owned businesses to grow by offering education, support, and the tools to succeed. WBENC shares best practices, latest entrepreneur news, success stories, and resources to grant opportunities through its blog. Additionally, the non-profit organization provides fee-based certification that offers additional benefits.
A community of lifelong learners, the mission of Girlboss is to "exist for women to (re)define success on their own terms." Offering tools and networking opportunities, sign up for free content on a range of work and lifestyle topics. The Girlboss Radio podcast has an impressive lineup of interviews with successful women and deals with relevant issues, from e-commerce marketing to pitching your dream business idea.
"You don't need to figure everything out on your own" is the first thing you'll see upon entering Ellevate's website. The dues-based organization provides in-person and online events, a 12-week program that includes advice from a support network of professionals and local chapter meetups. The Resources section on its website also provides free tools such as articles, a podcast, and videos on various topics. For example, one video guides you to answer "What Do You Do?" It's a critical component to searching for new business opportunities.
A non-partisan federal advisory committee, the National Women's Business Council (NWBC), offers independent advice and policy recommendations on economic issues. The research reports provide insights on various topics relevant to women-owned businesses. In a Roundtable Report, the council shared the unique challenges and opportunities women entrepreneurs in rural areas face.
Notwithstanding the increasing number of available resources, women-owned businesses are one of the quickest growing segments in small business. Consider the resources here to help spark ideas to spur your entrepreneurial spirit.