March is Women’s History Month and Key Coworking is proud to recognize all women who have persevered to own a businesses. In fact, women own nearly 10 million American businesses, Yet, even today, it seems like it’s still a man’s world. But like the song says, “I am woman, hear me roar”. Women rock! Nevertheless, with many women still managing the home, often as a single parent, running a business is even harder. Finding resources for advice and funding can be challenging. So, we’ve compiled a list of resources that can help women thrive in business.
NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners
NAWBO is a dues-based organization whose mission is to propel women into greater economic, social, and political power worldwide.
NAWBO has chapters in cities throughout the country that sponsor educational meetings and networking events, and NAWBO’s website includes online entrepreneurial training and resources.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Located throughout the U.S. and its territories, the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership help women start and grow small businesses.
Over 100 centers provide both training and counseling services on a variety of topics. The SBA also sponsors a Women-Owned Small Businesses Federal Contracting Program, designed to give women-owned small businesses better access to federal contracting opportunities.
Texas Women in Business is a membership-driven non-profit that is focused on empowering women to achieve their personal and professional goals through education, development, networking, service, and leadership. They give opportunities to connect with people and other organizations to help women reach their goals.
Amber Grants began in 1998 in honor of Amber Wigdahl, who died before fulfilling her dreams. Each month we award an Amber Grant of $10,000, and one of our 12 monthly recipients receives an additional $25,000 Amber Grant.
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas promotes professional opportunities, financial growth, leadership and legislative awareness for women. The Chamber unifies the collective strength of women to leverage our position as the most influential economic force in America.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
WBENC provides independent certification to women-owned businesses, opening opportunities to do business with major corporations. Its stated mission is “To fuel economic growth globally through access to opportunities, by identifying, certifying and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses.
LiftFund Women’s Business Center (WBC)
Whether you are looking for funding to launch a new business or grow an existing one, WBC provides women with the knowledge, resources and support
WBC offers loans, workshops, business advising, cohort-based business accelerators, and connections to small business resources
International Association of Women (IAW)
The International Association of Women provides its members with in-person and virtual networking events, professional development opportunities, career and business development services, and promotional opportunities. Women from a wide range of backgrounds and professional fields come together to form this dynamic community of accomplished women.
SCORE
Local SCORE chapters throughout the U.S. pair entrepreneurs with volunteer business mentors in a wide range of industries. The SCORE website offers a wide range of resources for women entrepreneurs, including educational blogs and success stories, and webinars on women’s entrepreneurship and general business.
UTSA Small Business Development Center Network
Entrepreneurs have access to professional and confidential business advising, a variety of quality training programs, and an extensive referral network at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With the addition of business advisors who live and work in your local community, success is just around the corner! Benefits of contacting your local SBDC include:
- No-cost, one-on-one, confidential business advising
- Cost friendly workshops designed for small businesses
- Professional referral network
- Access to research resources
- Lifelong business partners
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a nonpartisan federal advisory council that provides advice and recommendations to Congress, the SBA and other facets of government on behalf of improving the economic outcomes of women-owned businesses. As part of its mission to advocate for women, the organization also hosts helpful roundtables and webinars that provide advice and education.
