WESST Blog

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, which means it’s time to celebrate women-owned businesses everywhere, as well as the outstanding progress female entrepreneurs have made over the years.

Did you know that:

• Women own 42% of businesses in the US; that’s about 11.6 million businesses!
• Women-owned businesses generate more than $1.9 trillion annually
• And women of color account for 50% of women-owned businesses

In honor of October’s National Women’s Small Business Month, WESST would like to provide a few tips to help make you more successful while you celebrate your accomplishments and successes. 

• Get Involved

Although in-person meetings are still off-limits, plenty of professional groups are continuing to meet online. Organizations such as:

National Association for Women Business Owners (NAWBO New Mexico)

American Business Women’s Association

National Association for Female Executives

Ladies America

The Female Entrepreneur Association

Ladies Who Launch

• Become a Mentor or Find One

Networking with others who know the ropes is essential for any small business owner. Take a look around your particular business sector and figure out who you admire for having done a great job. Ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Or join a professional or service organization where you can Zoom face-to-face with potential mentors. If you’re already established, a great way to give back is to mentor young women. Contact your local Community College and/or high school to determine whether you can offer your experience and skills. You may even get to mentor future employees!

WESST will be hosting our second “Women Who Own It” 90-minute speaker series bringing together women entrepreneurs to share their stories, strategies, and transformational wisdom.  Click here to register today to hear from our panelist: 

Marisol Brito, Owner of Bhava Yoga Studio (WESST CLIENT)

Jill Avey, Owner of Southwestern HR Consulting, Inc. (WESST ADVISOR NETWORK MEMBER)

Laurene Rodriguez, Owner of Mariposa Marketing

Kristelle Siarza, Owner and CEO at Siarza Social Digital

• Work on your Skills

This time of COVID has demonstrated that things rarely stay the same. We’ve all been thrust into a brave new world and with that it’s become necessary to learn new skills and coping mechanisms. October is an excellent time to think about the areas you need to improve to reach higher success. Do some research and make a list of classes that will positively affect your bottom line. Maybe your online sales aren’t what they could be or learn how to use social media to your advantage—check out the WESST workshops. There’s always a workshop to help!

• Be Inspired

Support your local bookstore by finding books about women who inspire you. From Madame Curie to Michelle Obama, from Anne Frank to Greta Thuneberg, there are so many stories of women who made a mark and who can invigorate your vision of what’s possible. Podcasts are another way to explore women’s issues and you can listen to some inspiring speakers and great conversations while driving or exercising. Goal Digger and the She Means Business Show both cover issues close to the hearts of women entrepreneurs.

• Support Other Women

You can support other women in business by investing time or money, making donations, and purchasing goods and services from local women-owned businesses.  Support your local women business owners rather than buying from a big-box store. 

WESST is proud to be a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center Program by hosting a network of Women’s Business Centers at each of our six locations.  At WESST, we understand the unique challenges and needs of female entrepreneurs. Our Women’s Business Center’s programs are designed to be flexible and responsive to those special needs.

For more information or to request counseling, please complete the Business Assistance Inquiry, or contact the counselor nearest you.