National Women's Small Business Month

(Part One of our National Women's Small Business Month series.)

Did you know that women-owned businesses account for nearly 40% of all U.S. enterprises, generating over $1.8 trillion in revenue and supporting millions of jobs? Yet, when October arrives for National Women’s Small Business Month, too many organizations limit their support to a temporary 31-day social media campaign. True empowerment isn't seasonal—it requires an intentional, 365-day commitment to dismantling funding barriers, diversifying supply chains, and driving sustainable local economic growth. Whether you are a woman who owns a small business or you know someone who does, let's work toward making support a daily practice, not just a monthly theme.

Beyond October: Championing Women-Owned Small Businesses Year-Round

Every October, National Women’s Small Business Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the millions of female founders, innovators, and leaders shaping the modern economy. Today, women own more than 14 million businesses in the United States alone—a staggering 13% increase since 2019. From tech startups and manufacturing firms to boutique agencies and local services, female entrepreneurs are driving innovation and strengthening local communities.

However, recognition without ongoing support falls short. While October highlights these achievements, small and diverse businesses face structural challenges—such as capital access, supply chain equity, and scaling hurdles—every month of the year. Real empowerment requires a year-round commitment. Below is how we intentionally invest in, partner with, and uplift women-owned and diverse small businesses 365 days a year—and why it matters for everyone.

The Reality: Why Year-Round Support Matters

While the growth of women-owned and minority-owned businesses is historic, the systemic gaps remain real:

• Funding Disparities: Female founders receive less than 3% of total venture capital funding globally, forcing over 60% of women business owners to self-fund or rely on personal savings.

• Cash Flow Hurdles: Nearly 45% of women business owners report struggling with overdue, unpaid invoices, hindering their ability to scale or hire.

READ MORE: Stop Bootstrapping And Start Building A Business Credit Blueprint

• Economic Impact: Small businesses generate 2 out of every 3 net new jobs in the U.S. economy. When diverse small businesses thrive, entire local ecosystems experience job growth, higher wages, and greater stability.

4 Ways We Support Small & Diverse Businesses 365 Days a Year

Supporting small and diverse businesses is not a corporate checkbox; it is central to how we operate, source, and collaborate.

1. Active Supplier Diversity & Inclusive Sourcing

We actively source products, tools, and services from certified Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and diverse founders across our supply chain. By integrating diverse vendors into core operations, we promote competition, foster innovation, and deliver greater value.

2. Fair Payment Terms & Cash Flow Protection

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small enterprise. To ensure small and diverse vendors aren't squeezed by extended corporate payment windows, we prioritize net-15/net-30 payment terms and offer accelerated invoicing pipelines to protect their liquidity.

3. Capacity Building & Strategic Mentorship

Beyond writing checks, we invest time. We offer mentorship opportunities, business development ideas, and strategic guidance on topics ranging from digital transformation and financial software adoption to marketing strategy and operational scaling.

4. Community Advocacy & Ecosystem Building

We actively highlight small business success stories across our platforms year-round. By nominating diverse founders for industry awards, sharing their products, and connecting them with venture networks, we help open doors that lead to long-term commercial contracts.

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How You Can Take Action Today

Building an inclusive economy requires collective action from businesses, consumers, and community members alike. Here are actionable ways to join the movement:

1. Audit Your Purchasing Power: Intentionally direct a percentage of your monthly personal or corporate spend toward certified women-owned and diverse businesses.

2. Leave Positive Reviews & Engagement: A 5-star Google review, a LinkedIn share, or a word-of-mouth referral costs nothing but significantly boosts a small business's search visibility and credibility.

READ MORE: How To Boost Business Credibility

3. Partner & Collaborate: Look for co-marketing or cross-promotional opportunities with local women entrepreneurs to expand reach for both parties.

4. Advocate for Inclusive Corporate Procurement: Ask your employer or procurement department about their supplier diversity commitments and advocate for diverse vendor inclusion.

Onward: Building an Inclusive Future Together

National Women’s Small Business Month is an opportunity to reflect on progress and recommit to the work ahead. When we uplift women entrepreneurs and diverse small business owners, we don't just help individual companies—we spur innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience, and build a more equitable economy for everyone. Let's engage with small women-owned businesses to strengthen our communities and foster an environment for growth.

Starpoint is dedicated to supporting small businesses owners in our a daily operations, but especially women-owned businesses, and not just as a once-per-year 31-day theme. I'm making a full 365-day commitment by taking $100 off a full year of Powerboost services for every woman-owned small business who comes on-board during the month of October!

Request a free consultation and business credit assessment to see if we can help your small women-owned business get to the finish line faster.