Women entrepreneurs and small business owners have made significant strides in recent years, with research indicating that they represent a substantial portion of small businesses worldwide. According to a report by the National Women’s Business Council, as of 2018, there were 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the US alone, accounting for 42% of all businesses.
Despite these impressive numbers, women entrepreneurs still face several unique challenges, including difficulty accessing funding, balancing work and family life, overcoming gender stereotypes, and experiencing discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Fortunately, there are several organizations that provide support to women-owned businesses. The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is a membership-based organization that offers networking opportunities, educational programs, and advocacy for women-owned businesses. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is another great resource that certifies women-owned businesses and connects them with corporate buyers. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that offers free business mentoring and education programs to entrepreneurs, with a specific program for women entrepreneurs.
The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) provides training, counseling, and resources to women entrepreneurs, with a focus on helping women who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The US State Department offers The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) offers programs for women at all stages of business ownership, from start-up to established businesses. Additionally, the Women’s Venture Fund (WVF) provides funding and resources to women-owned businesses in the New York metropolitan area.
If you wish to learn more about these organizations, please follow these links:
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): https://www.nawbo.org/
- US State Department – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE): https://eca.state.gov/awe
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): https://www.wbenc.org/
- SCORE: https://www.score.org/
- Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC): https://awbc.org/
- Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC): https://www.wbdc.org/
- Women’s Venture Fund (WVF): https://www.womensventurefund.org/
By promoting and supporting women-owned businesses, we can challenge gender stereotypes and help women entrepreneurs succeed. Supporting these businesses also has numerous benefits, including boosting the economy, promoting gender equality, encouraging innovation, and improving local communities.
In conclusion, women entrepreneurs and small business owners have become a powerful force in the global economy, and organizations such as NAWBO, AWE, WBENC, SCORE, AWBC, WBDC, and WVF are making significant efforts to support them. With the right resources and support, women entrepreneurs can continue to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.