‘Tis The Season: Your Checklist for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

For many B2C businesses, the holiday season is the most important time of the year. According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans will spend upwards of $727 billion this year on holiday gifts, and that’s not even including money spent on cars, gas and restaurants. The average consumer will spend $1,047.83 this season — on gifts and other holiday-related purchases.

At WBENC, it’s our hope that a large portion of that rather sizeable chunk of holiday spending goes to women-owned businesses and those who support them. As consumers, fellow entrepreneurs and diversity champions, it’s in our power to do so! Let’s use our spending power to help lift-up and support women-owned businesses and help them thrive -- this holiday season and on into the new year.

How to Support Women Entrepreneurs This Holiday Season

• SHOP SMALL

  Commit to doing most of your holiday shopping at small, locally-owned businesses and you’ll not only help those businesses individually, but you’ll be contributing to the overall economic health of your neighborhood and community. Approximately 45 percent of small businesses are owned and operated by women, and women-owned small businesses in particular have been contributing some of the highest levels of employment growth. Translation: women-owned firms are creating jobs in your community. Why not show them some extra love? Small Business Saturday is a great day to start!

• SHOP THE LOGO

  Women-owned businesses supply an incredible range of products sold in retail stores and online, but there’s only one standard way to identify them – the Women Owned Logo. Any product that bears the Women Owned Logo is produced by a company that is owned and operated by a woman or women, as certified by WBENC in the United States and WEConnect International globally. Look for the logo on products and labels at places you already shop or visit our directory of amazing Women Owned businesses at WomenOwnedLogo.com to find where else you can buy in stores and online.

• DISCOVER NEW WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

  Browse our Women Owned Business Directory, subscribe our weekly email newsletter Women Owned Wednesday, and follow Women Owned on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to discover new businesses and inspiring female founders each week.

• SPREAD THE WORD

  Many businesses rely on word-of-mouth to get the message out about their product. Do you have a favorite Women Owned product? Post about it on social media using the hashtag #BuyWomenOwned. Spot the Women Owned Logo while shopping? Snap a picture and share with your friends and family.

• ACTINTENTIONALLY - SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

  In addition to shopping at women-owned businesses, you can also help show your support for women entrepreneurs by frequenting those businesses who are dedicated to supplier diversity and women’s business development overall. The commitment, engagement and energy of WBENC’s Corporate Members is a huge part of what makes our mission to fuel economic growth for women possible. Our Corporate Members also sponsor countless educational opportunities and resources that help WBEs grow and succeed.

• GIVE BACK

  It can be easy to get caught up in the holiday hubbub, but be sure not to neglect the spirit of the holidays -- generosity and kindness. Add a family in need to your holiday list, commit to some volunteering or mentoring, or pick a charity for your family to contribute to in lieu of gifts.

  Support a Women Owned business that gives back to the community or a cause you care about -- use our round-up as a starting point! Look for charities that help aspiring women entrepreneurs and students by providing capital, grants or education opportunities, or help the NextGen of women-owned businesses by supporting education, mentorship and leadership development opportunities for girls and teens.

With our support, women-owned businesses can earn their piece of the economic pie this season, and set them up for a successful start to 2020.

LEARN MORE

About WBENC

WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) to provide its world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC is also the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Throughout the year, WBENC provides business development opportunities for member corporations, government agencies and more than 15,000 certified women-owned businesses at events and other forums. Learn more.

About Women Owned

Women Owned is an initiative from WBENC and WEConnect International to create a movement of support for Women Owned businesses. We support female entrepreneurs and those who do business with them by raising awareness for why, where and how to buy Women Owned. Learn more.

All data regarding the number of women-owned businesses can be found in the 2019 American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report.