S
eeing how far women have come, sometimes it’s hard to remember that it was just in 1960 when women could open bank accounts for the first time – only 63 years ago. It wasn’t even until 1974 that women were allowed to apply for a loan or credit card without their husband’s permission.
That means for a woman to open a business before 1974 – it was almost impossible. Still some women did it. Notably Madame C.J. Walker, Hattie Mosele Austin, Pauline Trigere, Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden. But it was a tough row to hoe (if not impossible) if that’s the route you wanted to take.
Though we are very lucky to live in a society that has progressed so much due to the hard work of the women before us, as a woman-owned business today, you still face considerable obstacles. Today, on International Women’s Day, we would like to not only acknowledge those hardships, but provide a bevy of resources to help women-owned businesses. Because as the late James Brown once said, “This is a man’s world…but it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” And that’s not something we forget.
So, to the women. The business owners. The entrepreneurs. The brave and the brazen. Here are some resources we think might help you as you make your way to the top.
Funding Options
WOSB – The Women-Owned Businesses Federal Contract Program
This unique WOSB federal contract program helps women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts. The contracts pertain to the provision of goods and services in particular industries (identified via NAICS code), where WOSBs are not adequately represented.
WomensNet’s Amber Grant
Every month, WomensNet awards a $10,000 grant to a woman-owned business in specific, changing categories like health, animal services, and food and beverage. They also offer quarterly grants to startups and nonprofits.
IFundWomen
IFundWomen is a universal grant application marketplace that specializes in funding and coaching women-owned businesses, matching you with qualifying grants.
Ladies Who Launch
A small business grant and mentorship program, Ladies Who Launch offers grants and free education and support to women and non-binary-owned businesses in certain categories.
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
If your business is focused on social, economic or environmental development issues, this grant offers not only funds, but if you win, you also receive coaching and an opportunity to participate in training workshops.
SBA Loans
If you don’t qualify for a grant, loans are okay too. SBA loans are specifically built to help small businesses get the financing they need to get started with reduced risk and backing from the federal government.
Training Options
DreamBuilder – Online Training in Business Ownership
An SBA partner, DreamBuilder is an online training program in business ownership.
Women’s Business Centers
Women’s Business Centers are part of a national network of unique opportunities for women who want to start or grow their own business.
Get Your Startup Started by Google
A free course offered by Udacity in collaboration with Google, “Get Your Startup Started” helps you learn how to assess, hire, and fund your company.
Hubspot’s Content Marketing Course
Offered by HubSpot Academy, this free course can help you become an effective content marketer and better market your business.
Collaboration
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Want to collaborate with other businesses? Join the USWCC and take advantage of their resources.
National Association of Women Business Owners
Since 1975, NAWBO has worked to represent and advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs all over the U.S.
SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Also known as OWBO, this portion of the Small Business Administration works to, “enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support.”
Additional Resources – Ready Ads
As a woman-lead business with many female employees, Ready Ads is always ready to help women entrepreneurs find their footing. If your business wants to improve lead quality and increase qualified leads through Google PPC, contact us for a free consultation. We would love to work with you!