March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries. It’s also the perfect opportunity to encourage and support aspiring women entrepreneurs. Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it comes with challenges. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help women navigate funding, mentorship, networking, and business development.

Here’s a guide to some of the most valuable resources for women looking to start and grow their own businesses.

1. Funding and Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

One of the biggest hurdles to launching a business is securing funding. The good news is that many organizations offer grants, loans, and investment opportunities specifically for women-led businesses.

Amber Grant – Founded by WomensNet, the Amber Grant awards $10,000 monthly to women entrepreneurs, with an annual $25,000 prize for one outstanding recipient.

Grants.gov – A database of federal grant opportunities, including those designated for women-owned businesses.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) – Funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA), WBCs provide training, funding resources, and mentorship.

IFundWomen – A crowdfunding platform tailored for women entrepreneurs, offering coaching and grant opportunities.

2. Business Mentorship and Coaching

Having an experienced mentor can make all the difference when starting a business. These organizations provide mentorship and coaching for women entrepreneurs:

SCORE– A nonprofit association that connects small business owners with experienced mentors, many of whom are successful women entrepreneurs.

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – A membership-based organization that provides mentorship, networking, and business development opportunities.

Women’s Venture Fund – Helps women business owners with guidance, training, and financial support.

3. Networking and Community Support

Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and clients. Consider joining these communities to connect with other women in business:

Ellevate Network – A global professional women’s network that provides mentorship, events, and online learning resources.

Facebook and LinkedIn Groups – Online communities such as Women Entrepreneurs Network and Female Founders can provide insights, support, and networking opportunities.

4. Educational and Business Development Programs

Entrepreneurial success often requires continuous learning. Many organizations offer free or affordable business courses tailored to women:

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women – A free online business education program designed for women entrepreneurs.

DreamBuilder– A free online program that helps women develop their business plans and strategies.

SBA Learning Platform – Offers a variety of courses on starting and running a business.

5. Legal and Certification Support

Understanding the legal aspects of business ownership is crucial. These resources can help women navigate regulations, contracts, and certifications:

National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) – Provides policy recommendations and resources to help women business owners.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program – Helps women entrepreneurs gain access to federal contracts.

LegalZoom and SCORE’s Legal Resources – Provide affordable legal assistance and guidance for small businesses.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business as a woman entrepreneur can be both rewarding and challenging. By leveraging the right resources—funding, mentorship, networking, education, and legal support—you can set yourself up for success. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to expand your business, these organizations and programs are here to support you.

At Crystal Vision Marketing, we believe in empowering women entrepreneurs by providing tailored marketing solutions to help their businesses grow. If you need assistance with branding, web design, or digital marketing strategies, reach out to us today!

Let’s celebrate Women’s Month by supporting and uplifting women in business!