- 1). Visit SCORE's website. SCORE is a group of small business counselors (retired or current business owners) who can give you advice on starting up your woman-owned business. When searching through the listing of counselors in your area, be sure to select a female business person who is in an industry similar to your intended business. A female adviser can provide specific advice on what it's like to start and maintain a small business.
- 2). Apply for small business grants and loans tailored specifically for female business owners. State, local, and federal governments as well as private associations and organizations offer funding to encourage women in business. See "Resources" for a listing of small business financing options for female entrepreneurs.
- 3). Join a women's business center in your area (see "Resources" to find a listing by state). These centers offer training and counseling to women who are new to the world of business. It's a terrific way to get support as you start and then seek to maintain your business.
- 4). Consider joining a chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. This and similar private professional associations exist to support and promote business ownership by women. The organization's mission includes "strengthening the wealth creating capacity" of women who own businesses.
- 5). Register your small company as a woman-owned business with your state and the federal government by applying for Women Business Enterprise Certification. This will help your small business to receive government contracts---some projects specifically call for a woman-owned enterprise. You must submit an application, pay a fee, and provide records (including bank statements, proof of ownership, and tax returns) that show your business status to get certified. See "Resources" for a link to the online application.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -