The Giant List of Hopeful Communities for Women Entrepreneurs

In this article, we’ll explore several beneficial and supportive communities for women entrepreneurs.

The number of women-owned businesses in America is on the rise. Today, more than one million businesses are owned and operated by women, with more opening every day. For women who are interested in starting a part-time side gig, a support system of resources, mentorship, and experience can be invaluable. Luckily, there are numerous communities for women entrepreneurs that offer such benefits.

Keep reading to learn about some hopeful resources to motivate, guide, and empower you to succeed in your secondary income opportunity.

 

7 supportive communities for women entrepreneurs

Navigating a new business venture can be overwhelming. Having completed two years of college or less, some entrepreneurs lack the experience or education to know where to begin. 

That’s why becoming involved in a community of like-minded professionals can be an effective way to gain clarity, insight, and guidance in making decisions for your business. When you join a professional community, you have access to experience and education that can help your business thrive. Here are seven supportive communities for women entrepreneurs to help you grow your business. 

 

1. Female Founder Collective 

A non-profit organization, the Female Founder Collective (FFC) helps women-owned businesses by providing the tools and education women need to succeed. The FFC provides members with several benefits, including:

• A weekly newsletter highlighting grants available for women-owned businesses.
• A Google Group for members to post partnerships, job openings, and offerings.
• Interviews with successful female entrepreneurs who share their experiences and how they’ve overcome some of the challenges you may be facing.

With thousands of members, this community is a great opportunity to partner with other entrepreneurs, expand your audience, and drive more traffic to your business.

 

2. Ellevate Network 

Ellevate Network is a community of female professionals that provides a support system of peers, mentors, and sponsors to women entrepreneurs. Membership for global community chapters ranges from $100 to $1,000 per month. Ellevate helps businesses attract and keep quality talent, provides useful resources, and hosts events to help women build deep, lasting relationships with other female entrepreneurs.

The community offers programs to help businesswomen at every stage of their journey. Ellevate Squads is a 12-week program that helps members get to the next level of success. Ellevate Experts allows seniors to share their knowledge and promote their business to the community. Regardless of experience or age, Ellevate provides the resources and motivational support women need to grow their businesses.

 

3. Dough

If you’re looking for a smaller, close-knit community, Dough is a great option. Originally a directory for small women-owned businesses, Dough has evolved into a women’s collective that provides invaluable resources and helps make connections. Their coffee chats gather women together to share their stories, ask questions, and brainstorm ideas. Each meeting ends with a “give” (something members can teach others in the group) and a “take” (something to learn from other members). Dough is a great support system that inspires and encourages while teaching and empowering.

 

4. Ladies Get Paid

This community aims to promote the professional and financial advancement of women, so it’s perfect for female entrepreneurs. With more than 50,000 members, Ladies Get Paid excels at educating women on a variety of topics. They offer numerous events, and their video library consists of more than 100 hours of expert courses, all to empower women to succeed in business. Most of their offerings are virtual, so you can access this wealth of information from practically anywhere. It’s perfect for the women who work from home and juggle numerous responsibilities every day.

 

5. SheEO Learning Lab

Gaining funding for a start-up business can be challenging, especially for women. The following video explains why:

 

When starting a new business, most people front their own money to get their idea off the ground. SheEO Learning Lab aims to create a new playing field for women entrepreneurs by celebrating, supporting, and financing female innovators. 

Each year, SheEO helps finance women entrepreneurs through its unique lending program. 500 Activators contribute $1,100 to the organization. These funds are loaned out to five women-owned businesses, interest-free, to be paid back over five years. After that, the money is loaned out to five other businesses and so on.

Through this program, SheEO has raised $4 million from 4,000 Activators. They’ve seen triple-digit yearly revenue growth. But more importantly, they’ve helped 53 ventures start up and grow their businesses. SheEO’s strategy makes it one of the most impactful professional communities for women entrepreneurs. 

 

6. The Better Business Babe

The Better Business Babe understands the importance (and challenges) of living a more balanced life while running and growing a successful business. Like other online communities, The Better Business Babe provides members connectivity, resources, and education through workshops and events. Where they differ from others is in their all-inclusive brand support services. 

Through coaching and consulting, The Better Business Babe will help you identify and attract your ideal clients for optimal success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a solopreneur, and regardless of where you are in your journey, The Better Business Babe can support you in your endeavors.

 

7. The Female Entrepreneur Association

This online community aims to empower women to grow their ideas into profitable businesses. Members can benefit from weekly podcasts that share tips and inspiration; a motivational, educational book written by the group’s founder; and a popular Facebook page where women can learn from other female entrepreneurs from around the world.

For even more benefits, The Female Entrepreneur Association offers a Members’ Club. At $47 per month, you’ll receive access to perks like:

• A library of more than 50 masterclasses
• A directory of more than 5,000 businesswomen
• An accountability partner 

This online hub is a great way for women to learn, grow, and gain confidence in building a successful business.

 

Find the support you need today

Communities for women entrepreneurs can provide the motivation, education, and funds needed for a new business to thrive. Whether you join one or several professional communities, take steps today to set yourself on the path for success.

Looking to get started as an entrepreneur and build skills that are valuable to any business?  Contact us today.