Why in the world do women in business need more support?

Because, even though women are doing incredible things in business, how much more could we achieve with the right support to counter-balance the disadvantages?

I for one prefer to focus on the positives in life, but not to the detriment of facing reality. I am definitely encouraged by the fact that the number of women-owned businesses has grown 58% since 2007, which is 5 times the national average for all businesses. However, although women are starting businesses at a higher rate than ever before, we still face significant obstacles when it comes to finding the support we need to succeed.

From lacking access to the right connections to struggling to secure funding or emotional support, women often find that the deck is stacked against them when it comes to building a successful business.

One of the biggest challenges that women face in business is a lack of access to the right networks and connections. Whether it's networking events, industry conferences, or other professional gatherings, women are often underrepresented and overlooked in these spaces. This makes it difficult for us to connect with other business leaders, build relationships, and secure the support we need to grow our companies.

When WinTrade Global pivoted from only doing annual events to also having online membership, the objective was to provide women with more regular support during the beginning of the pandemic.

This was a down-the-rabbit-hole experience, as there is a difference between knowing something based on your own experience, and talking to hundreds of women from all walks of life who confirmed being in the same situation. This feedback was invaluable for developing our new platform which supercharges networking for much more valuable relationships and a solid support system.

Even though emotional and networking support was critical, we are still left with the massive elephant in the room, the major obstacle of the lack of access to funding. According to a report by the US National Association of Women Business Owners, women-owned businesses receive only 4.3% of all small business loans and just 2% of venture capital funding. Whether it's traditional bank loans or venture capital, women are often at a disadvantage when it comes to securing the financial resources we need to launch or expand our businesses. This can be especially challenging for women of color, who are often even more overlooked by investors and financial institutions.

This is why our network has partnered with venture capitalists who aim to support women in business to become more investor ready with a preparation system with validation with the end result of being presented to investors for funding consideration.

Beyond the financial and professional obstacles that women in business face, we also often struggle to find emotional and psychological support. Starting a business can be a challenging and isolating experience, and we may find ourselves feeling unsupported and alone as we navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. No one knows as well as you do what you are facing - unless we are experiencing the same challenges and are there to support, advocate and cheerlead you on your journey to success. Hence, the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network!

While these challenges are certainly significant, there are still reasons to be optimistic! According to a report by the US National Women's Business Council, in 2019, there were 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 9.2 million people and generating over $1.9 trillion in revenue. We have a significant contribution to make and global economies benefit from the success of women in business!

One of the most important things that women can do is to connect with other like-minded women, whether through networking groups, mentorship programs, or other professional organizations. By joining a community of support such as WinTrade Global, women can lean on each other for advice, encouragement, and inspiration.?Another key step that women can take is to seek out mentors and sponsors who can guide them through the process of building a business. These individuals can provide valuable advice, advice, and mentorship as women navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. This is easier to accomplish in a supportive community like WinTrade Global.

In conclusion, while women are starting businesses at a higher rate than ever before, we still face significant obstacles when it comes to finding the support we need to succeed. However, by joining?the WinTrade Global community for more support, mentors, and sponsors, and by using our network accelerator program, women can better overcome these challenges.

For more support as a woman in business, join WinTrade Global today.?You can even get started for free!?