Small Business Resources Library: Edition #3 for Women Business Owners

Women continue to make strides in business every day. Many women small business owners had to fight stereotypes, sexism, inequality, and more to find success. Today, women-owned businesses account for more than 12 million American companies, which generate $1.9 trillion in revenue and employ 9.4 million workers. The following is a list of resources curated to aid women small business owners.

National Association of Women Business Owners: NAWBO is an organization of women entrepreneurs that aims to promote economic development and create innovative changes in the business culture. NAWBO has local chapters in 31 states, hosts conferences, and publishes business articles and advice, such as their free twice-weekly SmartBrief email newsletter.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce: This association of women-owned businesses serves as a lobbying and advocacy group in Washington, D.C. Check out their website for information on summits, seminars, and special meetings that help women-owned businesses grow and thrive.

SBA’s Women-Owned Business Program: SBA helps women entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. Connect with the training and funding opportunities specifically for women.

The Women’s Venture Fund: This organization supports diversity in business by offering both funding and business advice to women entrepreneurs in urban areas.

Throughout history, women have achieved great things and we continue to draw inspiration from their stories of courage, perseverance, and success. Here are a few inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs who’ve built their businesses from the ground up:

  • Madame C.J. Walker: Madame C.J. Walker suffered from a scalp condition that resulted in her own hair loss. In turn, she created specialized hair products for African American hair in 1905 and was the first African American woman to become a self-made millionaire.
  • Sara Blakely: Sara Blakely was 29 years old when she invested her life savings ($5,000) trying to invent a new kind of underwear that looked good under white pants. Six months later, Spanx was named one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things and now earns $250 million in annual revenues.
  • Maxine Clark: Maxine Clark was 48 years old when she got the idea for a new interactive store where children could make a teddy bear just the way they wanted. Many people doubted that her concept would succeed, but she took money out of her retirement account to launch Build-A-Bear Workshop. The company now has more than 400 stores worldwide.

Upcoming April EVENTS, GRANTS, ETC.:

Karibe Dance Studio Logo

Stop in for a class!

Vegallia Logo

Plant-based, nondairy, gluten-free ice cream with no sugar added.

Quality homemade jams.

SOAR

The Southern Opportunity And Resilience (SOAR) Fund provides 4% loans up to $100,000 to small businesses and nonprofits to navigate and rebuild from COVID-19. Read More

RFLF

0% loans up to $50,000 with only $25 monthly payments for the first 12 months for restaurants dedicated to creating safe and equitable work environments for their employees. Read More

Small Business Flex Fund

Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Small Business Flex Fund is designed to help small business owners and nonprofits access funds at a competitive interest rate to bounce back stronger than ever.
Read More

Rideshare Business Term Loan

Loans up to $10,000 in financing for rideshare businesses offered at 9.99%. Qualified Businesses will be in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island. Read More

Childcare Business Development

Childcare is a major growth industry in our community. Despite the need for such services, most childcare providers fail due to their lack of business skills. To address this, WHIDC provides business development services to home- and center-based providers in Upper Manhattan. Read More

TrustPlus- Personal Finance Coaching where and when you need it

One-on-one personal finance coaching is available to you through our partnership with TrustPlus, a national nonprofit with three decades of experience supporting clients on paths to financial health. Read More

Food Edge Summit

Food Edge Summit 2022-is a leading food conference with global participation designed to spark conversation and catalyze strategic connections in the food and agriculture industries. May 3rd-5th. Read More

Learn How to Get Funded Quickly

May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM EST. ShiftGroup is offering a free, online, workshop on how to jolt your business and keep you on track. Receive a weekly plan, a 3-month launch plan for new business concepts, a plan to grow your resources, and a 3-year vision. Register Here

Small Business Expo

America’s largest business to business trade show, conference, educational & networking event for small business owners, entrepreneurs & start-ups. Hosted in major US cities across the country. Register Here

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW

sign up for our newsletters

The SBA was created in 1958 to help small businesses and protect the interest of small business owners. They offer access to loans and grants, an online learning center that provides education on business topics, and local assistance through regional offices.

America’s SBDC is a group of nearly 1,000 service centers that offer local small business assistance throughout the United States. The centers provide free in-person business consulting on topics like writing business plans, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, technology development, and more. They also offer low-cost training and hold an annual conference.

BusinessUSA was started by President Obama in 2011 and is a website that features online resources for all aspects of business as well as a training portal where you can access online training, videos, and online chat. They also feature countless events around the country every day, and a free app that will notify you of local events and opportunities.

For small business owners who want to take their business global, Export.gov has resources, training, and counseling to help you begin exporting or take your exporting to the next level, including an Export Assistance Center to get help from local trade specialists and exporting offices.

This section of the IRS website is dedicated to helping small business owners with their tax questions. You’ll find information on preparing your taxes, filing taxes, paying taxes, and other important tax information for each stage of owning a business.

USPTO is a federal agency that grants patents and trademarks. Their resources will help you understand the process and file for your own patent or trademark to protect your business’s ideas and products.

As a small business owner, it is important to remember that you are not alone in starting and growing your business. Keep these free resources in mind and get the help you need!

sign up for our newsletters

newsletter archives

Skip to content