Want to Start Your Own Woman-Owned Small Business? Follow this Chart

If you’re a woman who's always wanted to start your own business but didn’t know where to begin, you're in the right place—and you're probably not alone. Since the pandemic, many women have had to make difficult choices between work and caretaking responsibilities, with a reported 865,000 leaving the labor force between August and September of 2020. Running your own business from home could give you the flexibility you're looking for. How can you get started?

Taking the steps below can help you begin the process. Keep in mind that starting a business doesn't always follow a straight line—you may need to take a step backward before moving ahead. Don’t worry—it’s a normal part of #startuplife.

Remember that you are your own best advertisement. Practice your elevator pitch (a 30-second speech about your company and its value), and have it memorized, so you're always ready. And while you get your business off the ground, support other women-owned businesses.

More resources

• Small Business Development Centers and SCORE: These programs, run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offer free business consulting and mentoring.
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): This group represents the interests of women entrepreneurs in all industries.
• Local Chamber of Commerce: They work to connect local small business leaders with the goal to support and learn from one another.