How to Start Your Own Small Business

Women-founded businesses are the fastest-growing segment of American businesses, but they're also very much in need of capital. If you're considering whether or not to seek out investment for your business, here are three tips for securing venture capital as a woman-founded business.

Apply to organizations that help women-founded businesses 

The following organizations offer funding to women-founded businesses:

• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

• Women's Business Center (WBC) Female Founders Fund

Each of the above organizations has programs specifically to fund women-founded businesses.

The Female Founders Fund is a nonprofit that invests in women-led startups. The fund was created to support women founders who have been traditionally underrepresented in the venture capital ecosystem. They offer funding, resources, and connections to help these founders succeed.

Connect with incubators or accelerators

An incubator or accelerator is a business that helps startups grow. These organizations often provide funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, and office space. The main difference between an incubator and an accelerator is that incubators typically do not provide capital--they're more focused on helping you get off the ground.

Accelerators tend to have more money available for investment than incubators (though exceptions exist). Accelerators also tend to be more selective about who they accept into their programs; many accept only a small percentage of applications.

If you want to work with an accelerator but don't make it through this rigorous selection process, don't worry—your business may still benefit from being associated with them!

Pitch events and conferences

You can pitch your business at events and conferences. These are great places to meet potential investors and other entrepreneurs who can provide valuable feedback on your product or service. You'll also get the opportunity to network with people in the same industry, which could lead to future partnerships.

In order for this strategy to work for you, it's important that your idea has been validated by customers or industry experts (or both). This means that you need a clear idea of what you want to say when pitching your business: who will benefit from using it? What problem does this solve? How much time will they save with your product or service?

By having answers ready before attending any event where investors might be present, they won't feel like they're wasting their time listening while trying to figure out what exactly makes up "your thing".

If you're a women-founded business looking for capital, it can be challenging to find the right investor. However, there are many organizations and events that help women entrepreneurs connect with investors, mentors, and fellow founders. 

Find out more about venture capital for women founders.