Business.com aims to help business owners make informed decisions to support and grow their companies. We research and recommend products and services suitable for various business types, investing thousands of hours each year in this process.
As a business, we need to generate revenue to sustain our content. We have financial relationships with some companies we cover, earning commissions when readers purchase from our partners or share information about their needs. These relationships do not dictate our advice and recommendations. Our editorial team independently evaluates and recommends products and services based on their research and expertise. Learn more about our process and partners here.
Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month by joining in on the advocacy and support for the female entrepreneurs building businesses in the U.S.
October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of women-owned businesses and the remarkable strides female entrepreneurs have made. From sharing social media posts to volunteering your time, here are some creative ways to celebrate and support women in business.
National Women’s Small Business Month was established by Congress in 1988 and is observed each October to recognize women entrepreneurs and the businesses they build. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their contributions, connect business owners with resources and support efforts to address the challenges women face when starting and growing companies.
By participating in National Women’s Small Business Month, you can help uplift and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering a more inclusive and diverse business landscape.
“Women business owners are the engines of our economy,” said Dr. Janis Shinkawa, former chair of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ national board. “We know women business owners are leaders in their respective industries and markets, giving back to their businesses, employees and their communities.”
According to Sima Ladjevardian, former chair of the National Women’s Business Council, National Women’s Small Business Month is also a time to address the systemic barriers women entrepreneurs still face today, including access to capital, federal contracting opportunities and mentorship.
“National Women’s Small Business Month is an opportunity to bring visibility to this important mission and empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs,” Ladjevardian explained.
Whether you’ve got a few minutes to spare or are ready to take on a long-term commitment, there’s a way for everyone to celebrate women in business in October.
If you’re an experienced entrepreneur, consider mentoring someone who is starting a business or volunteering with an organization that supports women business owners. Organizations like SCORE provide free mentoring resources for entrepreneurs, for example. You can also help young people explore their goals through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which offers youth mentoring and college and career readiness programming. For direct business guidance, look for opportunities through a local Women’s Business Center or a women’s business organization.
Adding your voice to those of other business owners might not seem groundbreaking, but representation matters, even if it’s online. The more visible female business owners are, the more likely young women will be inspired to start their own businesses. Whether you’re a CEO with hundreds of employees or a small business owner working part-time from home, your voice can make a difference.
If you’re too busy to pursue mentorship or advocacy, you can support women-owned small businesses by investing, donating or patronizing them. You can also have your business support a charity that empowers women. Here are some ideas:
Even if you’re not a small business owner, this month is an excellent time to connect with women in your field and build meaningful relationships. Professional meetups and established local business groups can help women in various fields find like-minded peers — many of whom could serve as potential strategic partners.
“From making referrals to contracting, reaching out to your local women-owned businesses should be the first step for small businesses,” emphasized Shinkawa. “Also, with the help of digital-based tools, you can work with women-owned businesses in other states.”
Explore these organizations’ programs, local groups and event calendars to find opportunities that fit your interests:
Check each organization’s calendar and participation requirements before registering. Your local chamber of commerce may also offer networking events where you can meet women entrepreneurs and other business owners in your community.
The challenges of starting a business can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have a degree or business training. However, several organizations and agencies can provide women small business owners with education, training and resources.
The Association of Women’s Business Centers supports a national network of more than 140 member Women’s Business Centers. These local resource hubs, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, offer free or low-cost business training, individual counseling and connections to funding resources.
Visit the SBA’s resource partners page to find Women’s Business Center assistance near you and ask about services, fees and upcoming workshops. Local assistance can help you develop business skills while connecting with other entrepreneurs.
Additional local and regional resources can also help provide support for women entrepreneurs.
Promotions are a great way for small businesses to support National Women’s Small Business Month. If you own a business, launch a promotion where a percentage of the proceeds will help organizations sustain women-owned small businesses. Create an enticing offer to customers and design a dedicated online landing page for that promotion. Advertise the offer on your website and social media accounts.
If you’re a small business owner, one of the best ways to support women in business is to advocate for inclusive policies that remove barriers to entry.
You can also explore the work of the National Women’s Business Council, a nonpartisan federal advisory body that makes policy recommendations to the president, Congress and the SBA on issues affecting women entrepreneurs. Its role is policy advice and research; for individual business counseling, contact a Women’s Business Center.
In addition to serving as role models — for example, actively hiring women for leadership roles and partnering with women-owned businesses — Ladjevardian encourages business owners to reach out directly to key policymakers.
“Sharing your experiences and insights is critical — there are leaders eager to learn from small businesses to help share more effective policies,” Ladjevardian noted. “By taking an active role in this process, we can ensure the creation of an entrepreneurial environment that supports women and fosters growth for all.”
Danielle Fallon-O’Leary contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
