Oct 14, 2020

Celebrating National Women’s Small Business Month

National Women’s Small Business Month takes place each year during the month of October. This is a time to recognize the achievements of our female entrepreneurs, and the positive impact they are making on jobs and the economy.

national women's small business month

Starting a small business was once considered an undertaking primarily for men, but times have changed. There are currently over 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States. Collectively, they employ close to 10 million people and generate over $2 trillion in annual sales revenue. Since 2007, the number of women-owned companies has increased an astonishing 45%.

October 1988 marks the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of H.R. 5050: the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support of women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get working capital, business training, and assistance. Prior to this bill being signed into law, some states required women to have a male family member co-sign on their business loan applications.

As mentioned earlier, entrepreneurship is booming for women in the United States, and in a wide variety of business sectors. Women are making a big impact in the professional services, healthcare, social services, education services, and the apparel and accessories industries.

Jelt is honored to be a certified woman-owned business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

We believe diversity promotes innovation, opens doors, and creates partnerships that fuel the economy. That’s why we provide the most relied upon certification standard for women-owned businesses and the tools to help them succeed.

We are honored to be included in the @buywomenowned holiday gift guide this year! Every product and company featured in this Gift Guide are certified as women-owned businesses by WBENC. To become certified, businesses must undergo a thorough certification process, verifying that the business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. This ensures that these businesses are indeed being led by women owners, with at least 51% majority in ownership and investment.

Looking for unique holiday gifts that support a more diverse economy? Shop the Women Owned Gift Guide and support small businesses that are the heart of our communities and the foundation of our economy. Now more than ever, these small businesses need our help. Please support them by spreading the word, buying their products, or sign up for their services!