How to Support Women-Owned Small Businesses

Published by WQmagazine_Staff

Small businesses are essential to their local communities. They bring innovation with unique business models and products, they provide employment opportunities, and they care about the people in their community as friends and neighbors. Women-owned small businesses specifically are essential because they represent a minority in the business world. Although women- owned small businesses face challenges, they provide a unique perspective in the business world and they serve as an example for women and young girls around them. Here are 4 ways you can support them.

Shop Local

Yelp has developed a feature that makes finding women-owned businesses easier. Businesses can be certified as “women-owned”. Before hopping online to buy what you need, check for women-owned stores in your local area. Another way to shop locally and support these businesses is to order from a restaurant instead of buying fast food if you do not want to cook. Many local stores and restaurants are offering curbside pickup or delivery services right now to take into consideration both convenience and safety.

Refer a Friend or Buy a Gift Certificate

Small businesses generally gain more customers through word-of-mouth. If you want to support your favorite women-owned businesses, refer a friend or family member to them. If the referral falls through, you could buy your friend or family member a gift certificate. They will be more likely to spend the money you gave them and will hopefully grow supportive of the business in the process.

Shout-Out on Social Media or Write a Review

You can support your local women-owned small businesses at no cost by posting a shout-out to them on your social media platforms. If your favorite store shares a sale, or your favorite restaurant shares its menu, repost that information onto your account. Writing a review for businesses on Google or Yelp is another great way you can show your support.

Donate

There are many ways you can donate to a women-owned small business. You can donate directly to them via your monetary donations, supplies, or time. You can also support them by donating to organizations that help female business owners. Some of these organizations include the National Association of Women Business Owners, National Women’s Business Council, SBA Women’s Business Center, Ladies Who Launch, SCORE, and Women’s Venture Fund.

Overall, there are many ways to support and show compassion to small business owners. A quick and easy way to show your support is to show these businesses gratitude by sending a thank-you note or email. Another way is to simply be mindful of the care they are taking in their stores and restaurants to keep their employees and customers safe. Best practices include wearing your mask, using hand sanitizer, and doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Written by Molly Socks