Supporting Women's Small Business the Holiday Season

October may have been Women’s Small Business Month, but that doesn’t mean our support for our local boss ladies has to end there— the holiday season, in fact, is the perfect time to patronize local, women-owned enterprises.

With cheap prices waving at us temptingly from megaliths like Amazon, it can be difficult to feel inclined to shop locally during the holidays — I get that. The desire to save money is pretty much universal, so it’s understandable that holiday shoppers would seek out the lowest prices possible in order to get their loved ones satisfying gifts. But for many people, price isn’t the only factor; superb quality, socially-conscious ethics, environmental friendly practices, and locality all play a role in sculpting meaningful, enduring products that make memorable presents. 

Why support women-owned small businesses?

Help combat revenue disparities: Despite the fact that the number of female-owned enterprises have been dramatically increasing over the past few years, the revenue disparity between businesses owned by women versus businesses owned by men continues to grow, with women earning only $.037 to the dollar in revenue generated by private companies. 

Support sustainable economic growth: It’s no secret that shopping locally helps your local economy — but on top of that, supporting and patronizing local, female-owned businesses has the potential to impact our economy in a really positive way. According to Dima Elissa, CEO of VISMED-3D, “Women, predominantly, are the most creative, profitable, and efficient business owners, creators, and designers. If we don’t support the core of our economy represented by women, we are mitigating against job creation and continued scaling and opportunities to build our country’s strength at its core, which is largely driven by women.”

Female entrepreneurs receive less funding than their male counterparts. Statistically, fewer women seek funding for their businesses — but the ones that do receive smaller loans than men. Starting with less capital means slower business growth, and less revenue, contributing to the imbalance between men and women in business, which makes it all that more meaningful to support our badass boss ladies who are making things happen in their communities. 

Raise each other up. 40% of American businesses are owned by women. The number is pretty good, but it could be higher — so it’s especially important for women to support other women, because wide-spread success is good for everyone!

How to support women-owned small businesses

Purchase their products! Small business owners invest time and energy into painstakingly curating high-quality products that are often durable, aesthetically-pleasing, unique, ethical or special in some other way — the types of items that you won’t find on Amazon. Consider asking a local shop owner if they are willing to put together a wishlist for you (and then share it with loved ones or ask for a gift card for Christmas!) 

Spread the word. Don’t currently need something but love a local shop? Recommend it to friends & family who might be interested in exactly what the store has to offer — not only is this supportive of your local businesses, but your friends will thank you when they find their next perfect indulgence or gift. 

Engage on social media. Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram are instrumental for small businesses in gaining wider audiences — but they also have pesky algorithms that can make getting seen trickier than it should be. Following, liking and sharing small business pages or posts on these platforms can go a long way. Plus it feels good to illuminate women who are living their dreams, and it inspires others to do the same.

Express your appreciation. Encouragement and positive feedback can make someone’s day! Small business doesn’t mean small amounts of work; let the boss ladies in town know that you admire their passion & dedication! 

#BuyWomenOwned this holiday season!

Wishing you and yours a warm, safe & happy holiday. 

-Quinn