Women Small Business Owners Online Resources.
The resources listed below include professional organizations, social and networking groups, informational websites, and government organizations. Some of the sites listed below require a small paid membership (about $200/yr or less) to have full access to all of their resources.
Women seeking online business resources should be aware that there are numerous online networks and communities offering extensive networking and educational opportunities and business tools for women entrepreneurs, but many of these come with pricey memberships. Though I avoided these sites for the sake of this list, it may be worth it to seek out and invest in one or two of them- especially in the early stages of your business development.
Anyone interested in a list of worthwhile (at least I think so) paid women's networks/ online communities/events can send me an email: thefrugalentrepreneur[at]gmail[dot]com, and I'll forward it to you.
American Business Women's Association (ABWA) The American Business Women's Association provides women business owners with a combination of professional networking, extensive education and training opportunities, and support. Basic membership currently costs $90/ year.
BizyMoms' Small Business Center The Bizymoms' Small Business Center offers a variety of free online courses, informative business articles, and the chance to network with one of their small business advisors
The BOSS Network The BOSS Network has been recognized as one of the leading websites for women entrepreneurs. It is a women empowerment alliance dedicated to highlighting women and creating opportunities for growth through networking. Membership is paid, and there are two levels: basic ("Pink") at $60 and black at $120.
Hybrid Mom Hybrid Mom is an online community and magazine focused on a variety of work and family topics. The site provides several informative articles and resources as well as interactive forums, community networking, and an online marketplace.
Make Mine a Million $ Business Make Mine a Million $ Business is a program of Count Me In for women's economic independence. The goal of the site is to help women entrepreneurs develop their small businesses into million dollar enterprises.
Mompreneur Center Entrepreneur.com's section for "mompreneurs" offers several informative articles and resources to help women entrepreneurs better manage their time, balance work and family, and develop their businesses.
National Organization of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) The National Organization of Women Business Owners is a dues-based membership organization (about $150 per year in most cases) that represents the interests of women entrepreneurs throughout America. The site's resource center has several helpful articles and links.
National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) The National Women Business Owners Corporation offers a national certification program for women business owners to ensure that the business is really owned and operated by one or more women.
Rich Woman Rich Woman is an empowerment organization for women with a focus on business and personal finance. The site provides a wealth of free resources, coaching, and an extensive community.
Office of Women's Business Ownership The Office of Women's Business Ownership is a program of the SBA that establishes and directs a network of Women's Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States. Woman entrepreneurs can access comprehensive training and counseling to help start and grow their own businesses.
U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to "transforming the economics of the women's market by shattering barriers that have stifled true and sustainable economic growth, directing expansive learning opportunities, and enabling 360° participation and ownership in an influential, powerful marketplace." Yearly membership for small businesses is $195, giving the business owner access to several valuable benefits, such as health benefits and retirement planning counseling and solutions.
Women in Business About.com About.com Women in Business offers numerous useful articles, links, and other resources for women business owners.
SCORE for Women Entrepreneurs The Women Entrepreneurs site on SCORE provides a collection of resources to help women small business owners, including articles, online workshops, tools and templates.
Women on Business Blog This blog for business women and women entrepreneurs offers insightful posts, news, and information.
Women's Business Conference The Women's Business Conference is day long event providing a full plate of networking opportunities, business-related educational sessions for a wide range of interests and levels of experience, keynote addresses, one-on-one counseling by SBA business development specialists, industry-specific roundtable discussions, an exhibitor hall and a networking lunch. Registration costs $39-$49 and scholarships are available.
Women's Business Exchange (WBE) The Women's Business Exchange is a women's empowerment organization helping women entrepreneurs grow personally and professionally by providing opportunities for networking, professional education, leadership training, and mentoring.
Women's Venture Fund The Women's Venture Fund is a non-profit organization that helps women of diverse backgrounds build and run thriving businesses in urban communities. The organization provides training, small business loans, and a network of business advisors to help women reach their business goals.
WomenBiz.gov WomenBiz.Gov is sponsored by the National Women's Business Council. Its goal is to help women-owned businesses access secure opportunities to sell to the federal government.
WomenEntrepreneur.com WomenEntrepreneur.com is Entrepreneur.com's online magazine dedicated to women business owners. The site has numerous, informative articles, profiles, and resources.
Womenetics Womenetics connects and inspires women in their personal and professional lives. The site provides informative content, events and a community to help women develop business and personal relationships.
WomenHomeBusiness.com WomenHomeBusiness.com provides tools and information to help women home business entrepreneurs succeed.
Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network Based on a program to help lower income women start and run their own businesses, this membership organization offers numerous, helpful online resources, events, and classes. Yearly membership for a business is $50.