20 Resources That Every Female Entrepreneur Should Keep in Her Back Pocket

Last year, 1,821 new women-owned businesses were launched every day in the U.S. Although that’s an encouraging statistic, women entrepreneurs still face myriad challenges as they pursue their professional passions.

Fortunately, there is a diverse network of female-focused resources available to inspire, support and strengthen the bold businesswomen who fuel the economy and create new opportunities for themselves and others.

Here’s a quick list of 20 resources designed to encourage female entrepreneurship and give female-led businesses a boost.

1. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several programs and resources dedicated specifically to women entrepreneurs. The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership oversees the Women’s Business Center program, which provides valuable training and counseling. Be sure to check out their list of women’s business resources.

2. The Zions Bank Business Resource Center is available to help female entrepreneurs find answers and resources, develop strategies, solve problems and get guidance with business, marketing, sales, financing, management, growth opportunities and more. Make an appointment or attend a training workshop in Utah or Idaho.

3. The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) advises on issues of impact and importance to women entrepreneurs and business owners. The organization’s women entrepreneurship resource platform, Grow Her Business, is an online database designed to connect female entrepreneurs with best-in-class business resources.

4. Women Who Startup is a learning platform for women entrepreneurs. To learn more about their global community, give their podcast a listen.

5. Women’s Venture Fund is a nonprofit organization that advises and empowers women in learning how to use venture capital to start a business.

6. VentureCapital.org, sponsored by Zions Bank, is a nonprofit that provides free mentoring — including pitch preparation — to help companies gain access to venture capital. They offer local pitch events, industry articles and a newsletter as well an annual event called WeROC: Women Entrepreneurs Realizing Opportunities for Capital. 

7. Astia is a community committed to leveling the playing field by providing funding and expertise to women entrepreneurs.

8. Female Founders Alliance is a startup community dedicated to accelerating the success of female startups.

9. The Female Entrepreneur Association is an online community aimed at inspiring and empowering women from around the world to build wildly successful businesses.

10. Lioness provides news, resources and inspiration to women entrepreneurs. Check out their 2019 resource guide for female entrepreneurs.

11. The Women’s Business Development Center offers advising, mentorship and education opportunities to women entrepreneurs.

12. BOSS is a membership organization and networking platform for primarily African-American women entrepreneurs and professionals.

13. The National Association of Women Business Owners is a membership organization representing the economic, social and political interests of women entrepreneurs across all industries of business.

14. Another membership organization, Ellevate, focuses on providing female professionals and entrepreneurs with a network and community.

15. The Lean In Network offers female entrepreneurs the opportunity to join peer groups, or circles, that meet regularly to help women achieve their professional ambitions.

16. Awesome Women Entrepreneurs is a national organization that encourages connection and collaboration among female entrepreneurs through social events and meetups. Their weekly podcast highlights success stories and lessons from female founders.

17. The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

18. A national advocacy group, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) helps educate women about contracting opportunities and lobbies congress for legislation to support female entrepreneurship. 

19. Female Founders Alliance is a startup community dedicated to accelerating the success of female startups.

20. She Owns It is a free blog and event listing site focused on celebrating, supporting and connecting female entrepreneurs.

Taking advantage of these resources can help get you started on the path to entrepreneurship. If you are an entrepreneur who is looking for financing options, we encourage you to learn more about Zions Bank SBA loans or to contact one of our Zions Bank Business Banking relationship managers today.

Ali Hardy is a staff writer for Zions Bank.