Riding on the coattails of International Women’s Day, we want to applaud all of the female entrepreneurs who, despite the obstacles in getting adequate funding and limited access to resources, trainings, and networking opportunities, you’re moving forward and upward towards making your dreams come true. Last year, we provided you with a great list of networking organizations. This year, whether you are in the ideation phase, into a start-up, or a seasoned professional, it’s our mission today to provide you with some resources and information to keep you moving on up and making history!
Denver’s own Women Who Startup Radio is a great resource. The podcast’s goal is to “celebrate, connect, and empower women who startup, women founders, women who code, women in tech and women entrepreneurs.” Along with the podcast that provides you with valuable inspiration and information, there are monthly events to be found across the country. Likewise, they provide you with opportunities to network and join a supportive community as well as find training opportunities.
Also, the Parlay House has recently opened up a chapter in Denver. I wasn’t able to make their kick off event, but I really wanted to. One of my favorite people (and a client), Cecilia Lynch with Focused Momentum, attends the Parlay House events in San Francisco and really enjoys them. SO… networking, but also a great resource for learning and supporting women in your area.
We have to mention the Office of Women’s Business Ownership which is a branch of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This mission of this branch of the government is “to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream.” The site contains a plethora of resources on developing all aspects of a business to funding programs and finding federal procurement opportunities and training. This is also a location assistance tab to help you find local agencies that provide resources and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Be sure to check out SBA’s annual competition, InnovateHer!
She Owns It is a nice website and resource for future conferences to attend and a blog that is focused on ideation, networking, marketing and everything in between.
Women 2.0 is a great site that covers the whole gamut of women’s issues as related to life and career. I signed up almost immediately. One article talks about the heavy price, at work and at home, of fertility treatments. Another article focuses on career-advancing tips for thriving leaders. My favorite is the whole tab dedicated to articles about ideation and inspiration.
The Balance/Small Business site is a great resource for female small business owners and wannabees. There is advice and articles about starting an online business or even a home business. You can get resources based on a variety of industries, including retail, nonprofits, restauranting, and freelancing. There are pages of resources including how to write a business plan, managing the bookkeeping, and even information regarding business law and taxes.
How can you help other women in business?
Support local businesses that are owned and operated by women.
Build partnerships with small businesses owned and ran by other women!
Hire female!
Invest in a start-up created by a woman (look at GoFundMe.com)
Mentor a woman who is just starting out! (And find a seasoned mentor for yourself!)
We’ve come a long way ladies, and there is so much further to go! In the meantime celebrate who you are, your unique contributions to this world, and the fact that you are a-may-zing! Happy Women’s History Month; now, go make history!