What Business Resources are Available for Women?

Women in America own more than 12 million businesses, and numbers are continually rising. Most women report that it's challenging to find the right resources and mentors. Fortunately, there are many resources and websites that may make the process easier. Here are the top agencies and programs that assist women-owned businesses in many ways.

Association of Women's Business Centers

Founded in 1998, the Association of Women's Business Centers is a nonprofit organization that provides low-cost counseling and training. Women who are looking to start, grow, or expand their business can check AWBC. They have partnered with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which has more than 100 centers in the country. AWBC also hosts various events and webinars that you can attend for further guidance.

NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners

NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners, is a dues-based organization that has become the voice of more than 10 million women business owners in the United States. They have chapters in various cities. They sponsor educational meetings and various networking events across the country. You can also check out their website for updates on online entrepreneurial training programs and webinars.

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is an organization that aims to connect women-owned business owners with the right decision makers. Whether you are looking for a partnership or want to connect with government agencies, WBENC will assist you with all of it. The organization is the largest certifier of small businesses. You can check out their resources if you need assistance in your entrepreneurial journey.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that provides assistance to small businesses. You can also connect with lenders and get the required funding with their help. They sponsor the Women-Owned Small Businesses Federal Contracting Program. It is specifically designed to help female business owners. They hold training sessions and counsel women on a variety of topics. Get in touch with them to get access to better contracting opportunities. There are more than 100 centers of SBA in the country. You can get in touch with SBA and directly communicate with the experts for further guidance.

International Association of Women (IAW)

The International Association of Women (IAW) is a profit association and networking platform. It aims at helping women find the right opportunity and network with other industry experts. There are more than 100 local chapters to which you can refer. Women from diverse backgrounds and communities have come together to form this community. They also hold in-person and virtual networking events that may help women entrepreneurs in their professional development.

Moms As Entrepreneurs

As the name suggests, Moms As Entrepreneurs is a nonprofit organization that aims at helping the mom entrepreneur community. They provide financial training and education to mothers who are in business. Besides this, they hold various events and classes to provide networking opportunities to women.

National Women's Business Council

National Women's Business Council is a non-partisan federal advisory council that aims to counsel women. They specifically provide assistance to women who want to start or grow their business in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. They host roundtables and webinars to help women understand different aspects of entrepreneurship.

Women Impacting Public Policy

Women Impacting Public Policy is a non-partisan national public policy organization. Started in 2001, it aims to advocate and assist women and minorities in business. They also hold multiple educational programs on policy and legislative matters, covering topics such as procurement policies, health care, taxes, and more. They conduct a score of monthly events to provide opportunities and help women connect with one another.

You do not have to sort everything alone. Check out online resources or reach out to these communities for guidance. Make your entrepreneurship journey smooth with the help of these organizations and their community professionals.