International Women’s Day is a day of celebration–of honor and recognition for women across the globe. This day is particularly important for women in the workforce and female entrepreneurs who have overcome countless challenges and barriers to succeed in the careers of their choice.
This International Women’s Day, we recognize the power of women entrepreneurs and highlight how our program can help any woman navigate the startup landscape. And succeed at doing it!
What is International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is set aside to reflect on women’s roles and how impactful they are to society– in the home, workplace, education, and so much more. It’s to imagine and work towards a more gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s more inclusive, equal, and diverse. Where difference is valued AND celebrated.
It’s a day to forge women’s equality and to #InspireInclusion. This year we are celebrating women’s achievements. Raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere.
The first International Women’s Day was held in March 1911, and since then there has been over a century of history, change, and evolution.
Did you know that today, nearly 13 million of the 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. are women-owned? These businesses generate nearly $1.8 trillion in revenue and employ nearly 10 million people.
There does not seem to be a generational gap for women business owners. While the average business owner typically is a Gen Xer or baby boomer, women entrepreneurs are 23% more likely to be Gen Xers. According to Guidant, women business owners include:
- Gen X: 69%
- Boomers: 19%
- Millennials: 11%
And 49% of businesses owned by women were 0-5 years old (vs. 52% on average).
We believe that women’s economic empowerment is central to women’s rights and gender equality.
How 3 Steps to Startup Empowers Women Entrepreneurs
In the entrepreneurial landscape, 3 Steps to Startup serves as a powerful tool that fuels the ambitions of women entrepreneurs. Our primary objective is to simplify the process of business creation. By breaking down the startup process into achievable stages, our three-step program allows women to effectively progress from idea conception to the realization of their business.
3 Steps to Startup is replete with resources essential for building a robust business foundation, such as business plan outlines, startup guidelines, and insights into acquiring funding. These crucial tools are instrumental in helping women surpass the traditional hurdles in entrepreneurship. Our goal is to always foster a supportive environment that inspires more women to boldly venture into the world of business.
Read more about how to Navigate the Entrepreneurial Journey.
Success Stories and 3 Steps to Startup
The efficacy of 3 Steps to Startup can be seen in the myriad of success stories where women entrepreneurs from diverse industries have utilized our program to bring their business visions to life. Hundreds of tenacious women have harnessed the tools and resources to launch thriving enterprises.
We offer education and awareness activities online. Our online services are blogs, videos, and podcasts that give WV businesses the information they need to grow, and our online events reach WV influencers and innovators, creating a rich pipeline of WV entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking start-up growth opportunities.
We also offer assistance and coaching and have the ability to connect you with free resources that can move your company to the next level. We assist WV Capital Access Program Applicants through Account, Financial, and Legal.
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3 Steps to Startup empowers innovators and entrepreneurs who intend to launch a new R&D or tech-focused business or grow an existing business in West Virginia. Whether you are seeking expertise, technical assistance, or investment capital, we want to help.
Over the last century, women have generated employment opportunities, bolstered economic development, and advanced gender equality in the business sphere. And it is our women success stories that illustrate not just the transformative power of the 3 Steps to Startup program, but also the indomitable spirit and significant influence of women entrepreneurs.
Tags: Informational Blog, Women Owned Business, Women Owned Startups, WVCAP