Why women-owned businesses make a difference

Why women-owned businesses make a difference

Did you know 9.87 million U.S. businesses are owned by women? That’s according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s an incredible statistic that points to the entrepreneurial spirit of women around our country and to the economic impact women executives are having in states and communities.

Slade LLC is proud to have recently received Women Owned certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This organization is among the largest U.S. certifiers of women-owned businesses, and it strives to promote diversity in the workplace. Why? “Diversity promotes innovation, opens new channels of revenue and creates partnerships, which provide opportunities that fuel the economy,” WBENC notes on its website.

If you or a woman in your life is interested in pursuing her dreams of building a business, some of the best resources available come from the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can find a number of helpful guidelines on its website, such as:

How to start a business. Learn how to write a business plan, identify the necessary licenses and permits you’ll need to obtain and follow all existing regulations for compliance.

How to pay for a business. Calculate the startup costs of your company and learn about the options available to you, including grants and venture capital.

How to expand a business. Decide when you need to begin hiring employees, determine best benefit packages, learn how to market your business to prospective customers and more.

How to prioritize professional development. Find a mentor or participate in online training to grow your skills and speed up the learning process.

Remember, some of the most enduring businesses around started with the dreams and aspirations of a single individual. How might you make a lasting impression on the economy—and inspire a generation of women professionals in the process?