Celebrating Resilience and Triumph: National Women's Small Business Month

A Time for Acknowledgment and Advocacy

October serves many purposes—the gateway to fall, a precursor to the holiday frenzy—but it also holds a special significance for women entrepreneurs. It's National Women’s Small Business Month, a period dedicated not just to celebration but also to reflection on the journey women have taken in the business world.

The Economic Might of Women Entrepreneurs

The strides made by women in entrepreneurship are remarkable. As of now, women-owned businesses contribute an impressive $1.9 trillion to the U.S. economy. The rise from 400,000 women-owned businesses in 1972 to over 13 million today speaks to an incredible saga of resilience, innovation, and courage.

Barriers Shattered, More to Break

Imagine a time when a woman needed a man's signature to get a business loan. Sounds archaic, doesn't it? Yet this was the reality until the Women’s Business Ownership Act was passed in 1988. While we've come a long way, challenges persist. Marginalized women, in particular, continue to navigate systemic obstacles like racism and inequality in their business endeavors.

The Clients That Inspire Me

As someone who advises a portfolio of growth-focused, women-owned businesses, the resilience and vision I see daily are nothing short of inspirational. These women are not just numbers in a growing statistic; they're real people facing real challenges—both external and internal.

Many confront self-imposed barriers, questioning their worth and hesitating to charge what they truly deserve. I've had the privilege to guide these incredible women through these challenges, watching them emerge stronger, wiser, and more confident.

Your Role in the Grand Scheme

How do we sustain and accelerate this upward trajectory for women in business? We support them, not just during this month but always. Whether you’re an individual consumer or a business decision-maker, your choices can uplift women entrepreneurs. Even the simple act of purchasing from a woman-owned business is a step toward narrowing the gender pay gap and fostering inclusivity.

A Call to Action

So, for this National Women's Small Business Month, let’s make a collective commitment. Patronize women-owned businesses, recognize their achievements, and provide them with the resources they need to grow. Celebrate the women who have shattered glass ceilings and those who are just picking up the hammer.

The future is promising, and it's being shaped by the hands of women entrepreneurs. Here's to recognizing their past achievements, supporting their present ventures, and investing in their future successes.

Happy National Women’s Small Business Month!

Thank you for joining me in this important conversation. Let’s keep it going, not just this October, but all year round. Cheers to a future where women are recognized not as exceptions but as equals in the business landscape. ??

A few shout-outs to celebrate:

Natalie Roberts , Sherry Norris , Katie Spadoro, PHR , Sherry Quam Taylor , Tracy Goodwin , Ihssane Leckey , Maiya Holliday , Darla Young , Meredith Wilson Parfet , Valerie Chan , Pamela Foley , Jennifer Glass, Tina Weede CITP, CIS, CRP , Ashley Harding , Licia Berry, Aleya Harris, CPCE , Karen Caruso , Shelby Caruso , Rayell Grayson, LCPC, CADC , Sarah Buino , Carolyn Seeger , Lorie Gardner , Jade Pruett , Becky Ezzell , Dianne Rushing , Carrie Leigh , Tianna Linton , Pamela Eyring , Jacqueline Hayes, MBA, PCM? , Lauren Beebe , Licia Berry , Meredith Wilson , Valerie Danna , Jamie Drew