Starting a business is a big step, but for women entrepreneurs it can carry added risk. While there is a special appeal in being your own boss, it’s also a way to pursue a passion and gain more control over your career, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). But while the number of women-owned businesses continues to increase worldwide, financing options are limited. The GEM report found that the majority of women-owned businesses are small and have no employees or very few. And the lion’s share of startup funding, both from friends and family and outside investors, comes from individuals who are not accustomed to lending money.
Despite these barriers, it’s important to know that there are many resources available for women seeking to launch their small businesses. Some of the most common sources of start-up funding include grants, crowdfunding and small business loans. In addition, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are a source of affordable funding for women-owned businesses, and several banks offer programs to connect entrepreneurs with these organizations.
Funding is typically given in exchange for equity or ownership of the company, and that can be a big hurdle for women entrepreneurs who may not be ready to give up a piece of their business. The ability to raise capital for a startup often depends on having a well-prepared pitch deck and an active investor network. It can take months or even years to find the right investors and secure funding.
Crowdfunding has become a popular and accessible way to raise funds for a startup, and many platforms allow users to set goals and reach them quickly. However, it’s important to be clear about how you might repay such gifts and always have a plan for when things go wrong. Jeni Britton, founder of the ice cream company Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, remembers being warned not to accept funding from family members when she started her business. “They said if you ever took money from family, you’d never get out of it,” she recalls.
There are a growing number of private investors who are looking to support startups led by women. In 2023, investors in companies with at least one woman founder received 3% of total venture capital dollars, up from about 2% in 2022.여자창업아이템
In addition, some companies — including Wayflyer and Clearco — offer tailored loans for female founders. Wayflyer lets entrepreneurs create profiles that explain their business model and plans, while Clearco offers debt financing and advisory services.
The Mama Ladder organization, in partnership with brands such as Bluemercury and Belly Bandit, hosts an annual small-business grant competition for working moms, the High Five Grant. In addition to a $50,000 award, 후토루 winners receive mentoring and digital tools to help them grow their businesses. Other opportunities are the SBA 8(a) program, which helps disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts, and the Women’s Enterprise Initiative at the U.S. Department of Commerce, which provides support and training to aspiring women-owned businesses.