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Home > Government > Government Programs > Programs for Women Business Owners
Guide to Programs for Women Business Owners
In business, it can pay to be a woman owner
By Frances Sharpe
If you think you're at a disadvantage as a female entrepreneur, think again.
Dozens of organizations and programs have emerged in recent years to help
women start and grow their own businesses. Taking advantage of the
programs available can help you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Obtain seed money to get your venture off the ground
Network with other women business owners
Win bids for government contracts
Find additional resources to assist you in starting or growing a
venture
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Locate a program
Whether you're seeking a loan to expand your business, looking for discounts on business services, or
hoping to find a mentor who can help you launch a new venture, there's a program for you.
I recommend: Check Entrepreneur Magazine's list of private programs and government-sponsored
programs for women.
Show me the money
If you're in need of cold, hard cash, you're in luck. Several programs provide women with seed money,
micro loans, and even loans of up to $250,000.
I recommend: Download an application for a loan of $500 to $10,000 from Count Me In or find out how to
apply for up to $45,000 in financing at Make Mine a $Million Business. Learn how the SBA's
Pre-qualification Loan Program allows women and minorities to pre-qualify for a 7(a) loan up to a
maximum of $250,000 before going to a bank.
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Make the mentoring and networking connection
Finding a mentor can increase your confidence and give you the knowledge you need to start a business.
Networking can be equally invaluable as a way to promote and build your business.
I recommend: Find a mentor at the National Women's Business Center or at SCORE. Ladies who Launch
is a women business owner's networking organization specializing in small business incubators and
workshops for its 25,000 members. Can't make it to a networking meeting in your area? Make connections
with other entrepreneurial women online at Womenowned.com.
Do business with Uncle Sam
As a woman business owner, you actually have a leg up on the competition when bidding on lucrative
federal contracts. However, before you can bid, you need to get certified as a woman-owned business.
I recommend: Discover the ins and outs of doing business with the federal government at Womenbiz.gov
and download an application to get certified as a women business enterprise at the National Women
Business Owner Corporation.
Get access to more business resources
Starting and running a business doesn't require a Ph.D., but the more you know about business
ownership, the better your chances of succeeding. Take advantage of the many programs available that
offer resources to improve your know-how.
I recommend: Check out programs that really make the grade with a variety of educational and other
resources, such as the SBA Women's Business Centers and NAWBO (National Association of Women
Business Owners).
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
Business Classification
Guide to SBA
Assistance Programs
Guide to Small Business
Development Centers
(SBDCs)
Guide to Using SCORE
Counseling Services
Browse All
Related Topics
Business Advisors
Federal Resources
Government Contracting
Don't feel like you're taking a "hand-out" by applying for a loan or using resources geared for women. If
you don't take advantage of them, another woman business owner will.
Before you join every women's organization you come across, take a little time to determine which
ones will best help you achieve your goals.
Government Financing
Government Programs
Involvement and
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Women-21: One-stop Shop for Women Entrepreneurs
The Small Business Association and the Department of Labor have joined forces to help women grow their
business.
OnlineWBC: SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership
The SBA offers resources to help women level the playing field in business. Services included include
mentoring and counseling.
NAWBO: National Association of Women Business Owners - the
NAWBO helps women grow their businesses and acts as a public policy advocate for women business
owners. NAWBO membership offers entrepreneurial training, conferences, a speakers bureau and advocacy
opportunities. The resource section has a wealth of links that will be useful to any female business owner.
USWCC: United States Women's Chamber of Commerce
USWCC provides counselling, educational opportunities as well as lobbies for policies to improves women's
access to money, leadership opportunities and influence.
SCORE: Women Enterprenuers
SCORE offers free counselling tailored to women-owned small businesses. Their website also has an
excellent resource page.
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BWNI: Business Women's Network
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ABWA: American Business Woman's Association
Business Cash Advance:
Women Business Loan
BWNI offers resources and networking opportunities for women in the workplace from small business owners
to executives.
ABWA offers professional development and leadership training to women in all sizes of businesses.
Best Sites to Learn More
Back to top
Get up to a $150,000 business cash
advance. Must currently accept
credits to qualify. Automatically
repay using future credit card sales.
www.business-cash-advance.com
Education & Training for
Women: Trump University
WomanOwned.com Funding for Your Business
Articles on obtaining start up capital for a new business, as well as sources of growth funding.
CFWBR: Center for Women's Business Research
The CFWBR provides information about women owned businesses at the national, state and local levels. The
information is useful to policy makers and women business owners to bolster their rfp proposals.
UMass Lowell: Center for Women and Work
The Center for Women and Work at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers a set of research tools in
their virtual library. Topics cover everything from women business owners, including international women's
issues.
NWBC: National Women's Business Council
The NWBC serves as an advisory council to the president on issues that are important to women business
owners. In doing so, it conducts research and publicizes its findings. The NWBC also offers mentoring
services.
Donald Trump thinks big and so
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being a hugely successful
Entreprenuer.
www.trumpuniversity.com/entrepreneurship
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Lycos Search. No clutter, just
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Catalyst: research on women in business
Catalyst provides research on women in all facets of business
Best Blogs and Forums
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QuickBooks Community: Women's Forum
A forum dedicated to connecting Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners. Hosted by the makers
of QuickBooks business software.
iVillage: Work Discussion Forums
iVillage has several message boards dedicated to women and business.
Yahoo! Groups: Women In Small Biz
Women In Small Biz is a networking discussion forum that supports and promotes women-owned
businesses. Membership required.
Aurora Women's Network Group: Discussion Forum
This members only forum is for women business owners seeking a supportive environment, advice and
networking opportunities.
Kristie T’s Home Biz-A-Pa-Looza: Home Based Business Blog
Fun, mom-geared work-at-home tips and advice on making money on the net.
re:invention blog
A toolbox for and about enterprising women.
AllBusiness: Minding Her Business
Advice and commentary for entrepreneurial women from an entrenpreneurial woman.
AllBusiness.com: Women in Business Blogs
AllBusiness.com offers three blogs dedicated to women in business.
Workerette: Women and Work blog
Popular topics on this blog include small business and women entrepreneurs.
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Yahoo! Groups: Moms Working at Home
This is a members only active discussion board dedicated to telecommuting and business opportunities for
women
Blogher: Women in Business Blog
Blogs written by women for women. The business and finance section has entries related to women business
owners.
Comments
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Add Your Comments
Great guide, Frances! Regarding certification, one of the largest and most respected organizations that
certifies women owned businesses is the Women's Business Enterprise National Council
(www.wbenc.org). I believe their certification is recognized by over 700 major companies.
Also, in terms of networking/peer groups, one of my favorites has always been the Women Presidents'
Organization (www.womenpresidentsorg.com). President Marsha Firestone sends out a great
newsletter every month, and hosts a very high-powered conference every year.
Posted by: Donna Fenn
10/08/2006 03:39 PM
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