As we celebrate National Women's Small Business Month, I am thrilled to reach out to our community of inspiring women entrepreneurs. This is not only a time for us to celebrate achievements, but also a time to reflect on the journey of women business owners.
For years, women have been reshaping the business world with innovation, creativity and resilience. Today, more than 13 million women-owned businesses operate across the United States, generating over $1.8 trillion in revenue annually. Here in our region of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, women owned businesses continue to lead the country. Georgia ranks #1 in U.S. for the fastest-growth in number of women-owned businesses. North Carolina ranks #2 and Charleston, South Carolina is #12 nationwide. GWBC® current 1,450+ certified women businesses contribute $12 billion in revenue and employ more than 70K in our region. This growth is proof of the critical role women entrepreneurs play in the economy by creating jobs, building generational wealth and driving local communities forward.
At GWBC®, our mission is to empower and support women-owned businesses like yours. National Women's Small Business Month serves as a reminder of the power we hold when we come together—whether through shared resources, networking, economic challenges or simply celebrating our wins.
This month, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities around you. Here are a few ways GWBC® is supporting the mission, your growth and success:
Access Resources: We offer a range of resources to help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, including workshops, scholarship opportunities and one-on-one mentorship programs. Check out our new Contender Toolbox series and the Mentor-Protégé program.
Expand Your Network: Networking is one of the most valuable assets for any business. Attend one of our upcoming events to meet fellow entrepreneurs, corporate partners and industry experts who can help open doors to new opportunities. Get tickets to the upcoming LACE Awards and connect with other powerful attendees.
Get Certified: If you haven’t already, consider getting certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). The WBENC certification is world-class and can provide greater access to corporate members' procurement teams for bid opportunities. Most importantly, our certified women businesses have access to programming resources to scale their businesses.
Tell Your Story: Don’t forget to promote your business during National Women's Small Business Month. Share your journey on GWBC's Radio Show "Open For Business." You will have 20 minutes of airtime when Business RadioX interviews you. And don't forget to tag us on social media and join the conversation using #GWBCWBEs to connect with a larger audience.
At GWBC®, we are proud to advocate for women-owned businesses and ensure you have the tools to succeed. As we celebrate and together support those who need us this month and beyond, I encourage you to reflect on how far you’ve come and look ahead to the incredible opportunities that await.
Hurricane Helene Call To Action: Many of our fellow women businesses are in the process of recovery from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. This includes business interruption, damaged business property along with personal damage and losses. This is an opportunity to show the strength of the GWBC and WBENC network to support these businesses that may need a financial lift to maintain payroll or pay bills. We hope you can count on you to donate to the GWBC Cares Hurricane Helene Business Relief Fund. Please click here and we appreciate you keeping these businesses in your thoughts and prayers and being a supporter.
Always in your service,
Roz Lewis
Photo credit to Hope Productions Unlimited