Women-Owned Businesses Represent 42% of all U.S. Businesses

National Women’s Business Week occurs annually during the third full week of October. Focusing on the accomplishments of women in business the week also takes a look at the past to consider how far women in business have come and how far they have yet to go. Every year, women in the workforce take on stronger, more empowering roles. They run their businesses, take charge in the boardroom, and build upon last year’s successes. Did you know that women-owned businesses represent 42% of all U.S. businesses, employ over nine million workers, and generate $1.8 trillion in sales in the United States alone?

Here are five ways you can join in this yearly celebration of working women and women-owned businesses:

1. Educate yourself about both women’s work and business ownership. You can start now by borrowing one of the books listed below!

2. Show your support by patronizing women-owned businesses.

3. Tell your friends.

4. Join an organization or association.

5. Become a mentor.

The Library’s upcoming Entrepreneurship Week program series also offers opportunities to engage with women-owned business leaders: Looking to learn about entrepreneurship directly from women? Register for our Meet the Entrepreneurs event this November for the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the leadership of three successful women-owned businesses. Want to be connected to entrepreneurial women and their mentors? RSVP for our upcoming Making Connections networking event, supported by Women of Toledo and the Northwest Ohio Business Mentoring Program.