Resource Center for Women in Business

It's an exciting time for women in business. The 2021 Annual Report by the National Women’s Business Council found:

• Women own 37.6% of all businesses in the United States—that’s more than 11.6 billion companies.
• Most women business owners—76.9%—are over the age of 35.
• Women-owned businesses generate more than $1,576 billion in revenue annually.
• Women business owners are well-represented in both urban and rural areas: 38.4% of urban and 34.9% of rural businesses.
• More than two-thirds of women-owned businesses—67.7%—are in five industries: services; health care and social assistance; professional, scientific, and technical services; retail trade; and administrative and support and waste management and remediation services.

Across diverse industries, women are making a more significant mark on business and the economy than ever before. If you want to be the next woman leader in business or start your own company, bookmark these resources for women in business.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Women Studying Business

Many scholarship options are available to women who are interested in studying business. Start with the federal financial aid programs, and then investigate the dozens of scholarships out there. A few to look into include:

• American Association of University Women local scholarships
• C200 Scholar Awards
• Chief Executive Women Scholarships
• Scholarships.com Scholarships for Women

Funding and Grants for Women in Business

Whether you have an amazing business idea and are ready to get to work, or you need funding for your current business, grants and funding options abound.

• Amber Grant for Women
• Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
• FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
• Grants.gov
• National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
• Small Business Administration
• U.S. Economic Development Administration

Professional Associations for Women in Business

Want to network with other women in business? Looking for educational events? Consider joining a professional association to gain valuable new relationships and increase your knowledge.

• American Association of University Women: This organization promotes equity and education for women and girls.
• American Business Women's Association: This organization connects women in business and provides leadership, education, networking, and recognition opportunities.
• Association of Women's Business Centers: This national nonprofit organization supports and sustains a network of more than 100 Women's Business Centers throughout the country.
• Astia: Astia is a capital and growth funding organization focused on women-led ventures.
• Ellevate Network: Ellevate Network provides networking, educational, and investment opportunities throughout the country.
• eWomenNetwork: With chapters throughout the country, eWomenNetwork provides resources, events, education, coaching, marketing, and other resources.
• Female Entrepreneur Association: This online networking group offers support for women starting their own businesses.
• Ladies Who Launch: This group offers events, resources, and workshops for female entrepreneurs.
• National Association of Women Business Owners: This organization has a mission of creating positive change for women in business through strategic partnerships and public policy change.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council: This council offers certification for women-owned businesses in the United States and programming, resources, and recognition for women in business.
• Women Presidents Organization: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to women presidents, CEOs, and managing directors of multimillion-dollar, privately held companies.

Business Programs for Women

From mentorship to consulting, training to formulating a business plan, numerous business programs and training centers around the country offer help. Many are free.

• 37 Angels: This organization led and run by women investors also provides seasoned mentors who can provide expert assistance.
• MicroMentor: Find a mentor who is a woman in business.
• Office of Women's Business Ownership: Women can get comprehensive training and counseling to start and grow businesses.
• Small Business Development Centers: Get free business consulting and low-cost training for business development.
• Women's Business Centers: Find a business center designed to assist women who are interested in starting and growing small businesses.
• Women's Business Development Center: This organization aims to accelerate women's business ownership through programs and services such as mentorship and economic development.

Policy Organizations for Women in Business

Stay up to date on the latest issues affecting women in business policy in national and local governments. Get in touch with these organizations to work toward positive change.

• National Women's Business Council: Women in business can read the latest news and updates from this nonpartisan, federal advisory council. Followers can stay in touch and submit feedback through social media.
• United States Department of Labor Women's Bureau: This national organization has regional offices throughout the country and is focused on promoting standards and policies to promote the welfare of working women.
• Women Impacting Public Policy: This national nonpartisan organization advocates on behalf of women entrepreneurs through federal legislation.

Earn a Business Degree Online

The School of Business and Information Technology at Purdue Global offers exemplary education for current and future business leaders. The online business and IT programs give working adults the freedom and flexibility to learn on their own time, wherever they are. If you’re interested in studying business, learn more about Purdue Global’s online business programs.