“Never allow a person to
tell you no who doesn’t have
the power to tell you yes”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
With the growing number of women leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in America, it is important to celebrate and recognize the strength and resilience that helped them break barriers and overcome adversity. As March progresses, we want to highlight the achievements of our many women-owned businesses and encourage everyone to celebrate Women’s History Month with us!
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the impact women have on shaping the history of America, celebrate their strengths, and empower their growth. Before Women’s History Month became nationally recognized, it started as a week-long celebration introduced by the School District of Sonoma County in 1978.
Two years later, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter officially announced the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. In his message, he declared “the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” After realizing a week was not long enough to celebrate the vital role of women in shaping our country, it was later changed to a month-long celebration in 1987.
The Growing Number of Women-Owned Businesses
Women-owned businesses are making a significant impact in America, as they account for about 42% of all businesses. With an increase in support for women entrepreneurs, more businesswomen are becoming motivated to start their ventures.
Within a 5 year span from 2014 to 2019, the number of women-owned businesses in America grew 21% to about 13 million businesses total.
How to Support, Celebrate, and Empower Women-Owned Businesses
With all of the hurdles women have faced in the professional world, we must remember that progress does not stop here. There is still so much we can do to show our support for the women-owned businesses around us.
Below is a list of ways you can show your support and celebrate Women’s History Month:
- Take the steps to educate yourself on the challenges that women have faced in America – both professionally and socially. Start by exploring PBS’ “What to Watch” list to Celebrate Women’s History Month
- Encourage your friends and family to show their support
- Explore the local women-owned small businesses in your area
- Shop, shop, and shop some more!
- Leave positive Yelp reviews for your favorite women-owned small businesses
- Follow and engage with local women-owned businesses on social media
- Help promote women-owned businesses on your social media accounts by sharing their story, products you enjoy, and more
- If you have the means, invest in or donate to women-owned businesses
- Reflect on your own business and see if there is room to work with more women-owned businesses
- Stay mindful as a consumer and support women-owned businesses all year!
Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
- Looking for funding? Check with Women Business Centers and local assistance resources for guidance. You should also make sure to utilize the SBA’s Lender Match tool for finding capital. Women-owned small businesses can also take advantage of the SBA loan programs too.
- Apply for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program for increased contracting opportunities and matchmaking events. See the eligibility requirements here.
- Find training with our Events Calendar and through DreamBuilder, a curriculum built for women looking to build their businesses.
- Check out your nearest Women Business Center for assistance and resources.
Women-Owned Small Businesses to Support in Orange County and the Inland Empire
- Black and Berry
- Organic apple cider vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner
- WELL
- Purified bottled mineral water
- NeyroBlastGX
- Develops next-generation theranostic products for neurodegenerative and infectious diseases
- AdaptFit
- Unique gym offering leading-edge physical fitness programs
- Iron Springs Weaving
- Woven household and appeal items made from sustainable bamboo or cotton
- Wedding Collectibles
- Wedding cake toppers, cake monograms, wedding accessories, and bridal headpieces
- Merry Maids
- Residential house cleaning
- Remmie Health
- Transform primary care by putting digital tools into their hands
Sources
https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month
https://www.pbs.org/articles/2021/03/what-to-watch-womens-history-month-2021/
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses
