Woman-Founded Business (1563)

Did you know that about 36 percent of all businesses are founded by women? Or that these companies are responsible for roughly 15 percent of our current employment? Or how about the fact that women-led businesses grew by 58% from 2007 to 2018? With each passing year, women-led brands and women entrepreneurs are making major strides in the business world and generating a positive impact on the health of the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, female-led companies often don’t receive the same treatment and consideration as male-led businesses—the former receives just 16 percent of business loans. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support and empower tomorrow’s leaders. Here are a few ways to get started.

What Does Woman-Founded Business Mean?

The phrase “woman-founded business” is generally used to refer to companies which were launched by a woman or group of women. The term “women-led” can also encompass brands that were founded by men or families, but are currently overseen by women. However, some woman-founded companies are officially certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). A WBENC Certification validates that a business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. In addition, a portion of these businesses may apply for certification as a woman-founded small business (WOSB) or economically-disadvantaged woman-founded small business (EDWOSB) under the WOSB Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program).

Benefits of Supporting a Woman-Founded Business

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of supporting woman-founded businesses is backing companies that are an integral component of our economy. In fact, according to a 2012 survey, woman-founded businesses employ over 8.4 million workers and generate $264 billion in payroll. In addition, as majority and joint business owners, women entrepreneurs generate $2.5 trillion in sales.

Tips for Shopping Woman-Founded Businesses

If you’re looking for more ways to support women-led brands, try these smart tips:

• Use online directories (like this one) to source woman-founded businesses before making purchases.
• Promote your favorite woman-led brands on your social media accounts.
• Donate to organizations that support female entrepreneurship.
• If you’ve had a positive experience with a woman-founded company, be sure to offer a positive review where possible.

Top Woman-Founded Brands

Stock up on these female-founded brands.

Beekeeper’s Naturals

Carly Stein founded Beekeeper’s Naturals Beekeeper’s after experiencing the benefits of propolis first-hand. This eco-conscious brand makes throat spray, superfood honey, and bee pollen. The brand also partners with bee research institutions and helps spread awareness about how essential these insects are to our food system.

B.Powered Superfood Honey

This rich raw nectar combines propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen for a superfood ingredient to enjoy daily. Thrive Market member Amelia from Arizona calls it “incredible” and appreciates that it’s an affordable option too.

Teeccino

Founded by Caroline MacDougall, Teeccino offers non-caffeinated herbal brews to help keep you fueled and nourished throughout the day without the harmful side effects you might experience with coffee.

French Roast Herbal Coffee Alternative

This bold blend of organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, and organic ramon seeds is so rich and robust, you’ll be surprised to learn it doesn’t include caffeine.

Mamma Chia

Mamma Chia got its start when founder and CEO Janie Hoffman, in her quest to maintain a healthy diet, discovered the many benefits of eating chia seeds. Each nutrient-dense product is produced using sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in order to offer the best organic, chia-based food and beverages on the market.

Organic Black Chia Seeds

Enjoy a dose of protein, calcium, iron, and fiber, plus tons of crunch, with every serving of this superfood essential. Sprinkle these crunchy seeds on salads, yogurt, or smoothie bowls.

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