Female business owners face unique challenges in the entrepreneurial world. However, numerous resources are available to support and empower women entrepreneurs. This guide explores top resources for female business owners, including funding options, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, educational resources, and support organizations.
1. Funding Options
Grants and Scholarships
Amber Grant for Women
- Overview: Provides monthly grants to women entrepreneurs to help them start or grow their businesses.
- Amount: $10,000 monthly, with an annual $25,000 grant to one of the monthly winners.
- Website: Amber Grant for Women
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
- Overview: An international business plan competition that supports women entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Amount: Up to $100,000.
- Website: Cartier Women’s Initiative
Loans and Investments
SBA Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
- Overview: Provides training, counseling, and funding opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs.
- Services: Business planning, financial management, and loan application assistance.
- Website: SBA Women’s Business Centers
37 Angels
- Overview: A community of women investors dedicated to funding early-stage startups.
- Services: Funding, mentorship, and investment training.
- Website: 37 Angels
2. Networking Opportunities
Professional Associations
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- Overview: A national organization that represents and supports women entrepreneurs through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.
- Services: Local chapters, events, and resources.
- Website: NAWBO
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Overview: Certifies women-owned businesses and provides resources for business development and networking.
- Services: Certification, events, and resources.
- Website: WBENC
Online Communities
Ellevate Network
- Overview: A global network of professional women dedicated to helping each other succeed.
- Services: Online and in-person networking events, webinars, and resources.
- Website: Ellevate Network
Women Who Startup
- Overview: An online community for female entrepreneurs to connect, share resources, and support each other.
- Services: Virtual summits, podcasts, and a membership community.
- Website: Women Who Startup
3. Mentorship Programs
SCORE Mentoring
- Overview: Provides free mentoring services to small business owners, including women entrepreneurs.
- Services: One-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online resources.
- Website: SCORE
Lean In Circles
- Overview: Offers a community of support and mentorship for women to share experiences and grow together.
- Services: Small peer groups, online resources, and events.
- Website: Lean In Circles
4. Educational Resources
Online Courses and Training
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
- Overview: Provides women entrepreneurs with business education and support to grow their businesses.
- Services: Online courses, networking, and access to capital.
- Website: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Coursera
- Overview: Offers online courses from top universities and companies on business, entrepreneurship, and more.
- Services: Courses, specializations, and certifications.
- Website: Coursera
Business Incubators and Accelerators
SheEO
- Overview: Provides a global network of women who support, finance, and celebrate female entrepreneurs.
- Services: Funding, mentoring, and networking.
- Website: SheEO
Female Founders Alliance (FFA)
- Overview: An accelerator program that supports female founders with mentorship, resources, and access to capital.
- Services: Accelerator programs, community events, and investor connections.
- Website: Female Founders Alliance
5. Support Organizations
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
- Overview: A national network of over 100 educational centers that assist women in starting and growing small businesses.
- Services: Training, counseling, and funding opportunities.
- Website: WBCs
Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Overview: Provides resources, funding, and support for small businesses, including those owned by women.
- Services: Loans, grants, counseling, and training.
- Website: SBA
The Tory Burch Foundation
- Overview: Supports the empowerment of women entrepreneurs with access to capital, education, and digital resources.
- Services: Fellowship programs, business education, and grants.
- Website: Tory Burch Foundation
Conclusion
Empowering women entrepreneurs requires providing access to funding, networking opportunities, mentorship, education, and support. By leveraging these resources, female business owners can overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and contribute to economic growth.
Ready to explore your funding options and secure the right financial solutions for your business? Get offers today! Fill out an application with Approvd and discover the best funding solutions for your business. For more business, credit, and financial insights, visit our Approvd blog page.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience in the business loan marketplace at Approvd, our expert has helped countless small business owners navigate the complexities of securing the right funding. Passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, our expert combines industry knowledge with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses today.
