5 Practical Ways to Support Women Entrepreneurs

Way one: buy from women-owned businesses

Revenue is the most direct support. Shifting a share of your regular purchases to women-owned suppliers and service providers builds their cash flow.

List what your business or household buys every month: printing, catering, cleaning, accounting, design, supplies. Pick two or three categories and look for women-owned options in your area. Ask for a quote the same way you would from anyone else.

Buying works best when it is repeated. A standing monthly order is worth more to a small owner than a one-time purchase, because it makes cash flow easier to plan. Larger buyers can also look at supplier diversity programs, where certification may help women-owned firms compete for contracts. Look at women-owned business funding for related resources.

Way two: make introductions and refer work

Many small businesses grow through referrals. A warm introduction to a customer, supplier or partner can be worth more than an ad.

Keep it specific. "You should meet her" is weak. Better: "She runs a bookkeeping practice for contractors, and I think she could help your crew. Here is her email."

• Recommend by name in local groups and online reviews.
• Introduce owners to vendors, bankers and potential clients.
• Leave honest reviews on search and map listings.
• Invite them to speak or appear at events you host.

Way three: mentor and share know-how

Time and experience cost you little and can save an owner months. Offer advice on pricing, hiring, contracts or financing from your own experience.

Be useful in a narrow way. Offer to review a pricing sheet, a lease or a loan offer. Share what you wish you had known in your first year. Resources such as resources for women in business and small business associations can point mentees to peer groups.

Mentoring runs both ways. Ask what they need before offering what you think they need.

Way four: pay invoices fast

Late payment hurts small suppliers most. Paying promptly, or early, is one of the simplest ways to protect an owner's cash flow.

A small shop waiting 60 days on a $10,000 invoice may have to borrow just to cover payroll. If you are the customer, pay within terms or ask what schedule helps them most. If you run a business, review your own payables. Paying small vendors first is a quiet form of support.

Also avoid pushing payment terms longer than a supplier can bear. See how to pay an invoice for good practice.

Way five: point them to funding and certification

Awareness gaps cost owners money. Share accurate information on grants, microloans, certification and financing options.

Funding paths differ by stage. New owners may look at grants and microloans. Established ones may use working capital or equipment financing. Share the real picture, including that grants are competitive. Helpful reads include grants for women, microloans for women and SBA loans for women.

Women-owned business certification can open some government and corporate contracts. Check the SBA directly for current program rules.

What to avoid when you want to help

Avoid token gestures, unpaid exposure requests and advice that assumes you know their business. Ask what is actually useful.

Skip one-time shout-outs without follow-through. Do not ask for free work in exchange for visibility. Do not assume women business owners all want the same help. The best support is specific, repeated and requested.

When funding is the missing piece

If an owner has steady sales but lacks cash to grow, working capital or equipment financing may help, provided the payback is clear.

ROI Funder considers all established owners on the same terms: 500+ FICO, 6+ months in business and $20,000+ monthly revenue. Learn about working capital, then apply in a few minutes with a soft credit pull and no obligation to accept an offer.