Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: Empowering Equality
The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that there are more than 12 million women-owned businesses in America, employing 10.1 million workers.
While these figures demonstrate the tremendous impact of women entrepreneurs, there’s still significant progress to be made. In 2022, companies founded solely by women received only 2.1% of all venture capital investments.
The opportunity to address this challenge is one of the many reasons why Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was developed. Observed on November 19 each year, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrates and empowers women business leaders and supports collective efforts toward investing in women and gender equality in entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re already an entrepreneur, exploring launching your own venture, or simply looking to support the mission of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, here are some ways to get involved.
Find a mentor (or be one!)
Everyone’s journey to launching a business is different, but learning from others who have navigated the process is invaluable. Finding a mentor who can share their learnings, resources, and connections can help you build confidence and resilience as you build your business.
Wondering where to start? New York Women in Communications offers a mentorship program! The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has also developed a mentorship programs and toolkits specifically focused on women. Look within your own network, too. If there’s an entrepreneur you already know and admire, consider asking if they’d be willing to chat with you about their experience.
Share resources and pay it forward
Paying it forward can be as simple as making an introduction or offering to give feedback on a fellow entrepreneur’s product or idea. Sharing resources with other women who are building their businesses can go a long way in helping them find funding opportunities, build their teams, and further scale their company.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization offers a robust list of resources for developing a business plan, identifying funding options, obtaining legal support, and much more.
Bring your community together
Working toward gender equality in entrepreneurship is a collective effort, and we all have a role to play in supporting that goal, both for ourselves and for the next generation.
It’s no secret: The stats about gender funding gaps, and a host of other barriers women face, can be discouraging. Look for opportunities to inspire young women in your community, and show them that they can build a business, in spite of the challenges.
Our networks and communities are powerful! Support women-owned businesses in your own community, and spread the word about them. When we advocate for one another, we can drive tangible change.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the impact of women in business and highlight the steps we all need to take to ensure a more equitable future for all business leaders.
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