Women-owned businesses drive innovation and economic growth in the world of entrepreneurship. Despite their significant contributions—representing 39% of all US businesses and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue—accessing crucial capital remains a daunting challenge.
Sadly, only 1.9% of venture capital funding finds its way to women-founded startups. This stark reality underscores the uphill battle women entrepreneurs face in securing the support needed to realize their visions.
This article delves into the types of funding available, highlighting the journeys of our CEO Ari Krzyzek—an immigrant founder—alongside various women entrepreneurs. This article also provides actionable steps tailored to these unique challenges.
Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
Why is it so hard for women entrepreneurs to get funding?
Lack of Confidence
Many women entrepreneurs lack confidence while seeking finance, despite their expertise. This insecurity can manifest as hesitancy when pitching ideas or doubting their investment potential. Thus, women may downplay their accomplishments or hesitate to seek assistance, preventing them from receiving essential financial help. Empowering women entrepreneurs and giving them capital requires closing this confidence gap.
Limited Funding Knowledge
Too often, women entrepreneurs turn to social media as their sole source of funding information, risking incomplete or inaccurate advice. For example, when the majority of social media posts promote funding focused solely on venture capital (VC), it is tempting to believe it is the only path. However, the truth is nuanced. Tailoring alternative funding to your business needs can yield equally, if not more, rewarding outcomes.
Networking Barriers
Women entrepreneurs frequently face unique networking challenges that can stem from confidence barriers or traditional responsibilities like childcare. These obstacles can restrict access to crucial support networks that are instrumental in business growth. To help bridge this gap, we encourage women entrepreneurs to engage with organizations designed to support their endeavors.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a prime example. WBENC not only fosters connections between women-owned businesses and corporate and government purchasing decision-makers, but also offers resources and events designed to enhance networking opportunities and business acumen. By participating in such initiatives, women can expand their networks and gain the visibility necessary for their business success. If you’re looking for tips on networking as well as a select list of networking organizations for women entrepreneurs, make sure to check out our past article here.
Funding Gap
Women entrepreneurs often face significant challenges in securing investment, primarily due to the limited presence of women in decision-making roles within venture capital firms, where they constitute only about 12%. This scarcity can lead to a disconnect in understanding the unique needs and constraints that women-led businesses encounter. Moreover, the evaluation criteria employed by many investors, who may lack diversity in their backgrounds and perspectives, can inadvertently disadvantage businesses that do not fit a traditional mold.
These factors contribute to women’s persistent difficulties in obtaining business financing. Despite efforts to diversify the business world and create more inclusive opportunities, challenges remain. Addressing these issues is crucial for moving toward a business landscape where women entrepreneurs receive the support and recognition they deserve.
Drawing Strength from Ari’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Amidst these challenges, Ari’s story embodies the resilience many women entrepreneurs exhibit. Starting with no credit history and no connections, her initial step was to build her personal credit score to qualify for a small credit card limit. Because she lacked MBA knowledge or financial literacy, she temporarily returned to a corporate job to accumulate capital through savings.
Despite these obstacles, Ari successfully bootstrapped her company, later expanding her funding sources to include an EIDL business loan, business grants, a substantial business credit card limit, and exploring revenue-based financing for its flexibility.
Remember, even in the face of challenges, perseverance pays off.
Different Types of Funding Available
Before we go further, is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse funding options available to entrepreneurs. Here is a breakdown of the common types available:
- Bootstrapping: Using personal savings to fund your business, which maintains control but may slow growth.
- Loans: Banks and other financial institutions offer loans that require interest repayment. These loans are ideal for individuals who have a strong business plan and the financial capacity to repay them.
- Grants: Free funding from governments, foundations, or corporations that does not require repayment. These grants are often competitive and restricted to specific types of businesses.
- Equity Investment: This involves selling a portion of your business to investors in exchange for capital. This can dilute your control, but it provides significant funding and potential advisory support.
- Business Credit Cards: They are useful for short-term financing needs and can help build a business’s credit profile.
- Lines of Credit: Flexible loans that businesses can draw upon as needed, repaying and borrowing again as conditions dictate.
- Revenue-Based Financing: Businesses can receive upfront financing for a proportion of gross revenues using this investment. This funding is ideal for firms with stable sales and flexible repayment terms.
Action Steps for Funding Considerations
When evaluating funding options, consider these steps advised by Ari to determine the best path for your business:
- Assess Your Needs: Determine how much funding you need and what it will be used for. This will guide you on whether to seek a loan, investment, or grant.
- Build Your Credit: Establish and maintain a strong business credit score as it opens doors to better financing options.
- Network: Join business networks like WBENC or programs like the Goldman Sachs 10KSB, which can provide education and connect you to financial experts.
- Educate Yourself: Understand the different types of funding and the obligations each entail. Consult with a financial advisor to navigate complex decisions.
Website Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
Discover our essential resources curated by Ari to support women entrepreneurs on their journey to success, including grant opportunities and funding organization:
Women entrepreneurs face unique obstacles in the entrepreneurial landscape, but with the right resources, they can access funding, networking events, mentorship programs, and educational resources, empowering them and contributing significantly to the business world.
3 Top Tips to Win Grants: Insights from Ari’s Experience
Winning a grant can significantly advance your business by providing necessary funding without the burden of repayment. Here are three refined tips based on Ari’s experiences to help you navigate the grant application process successfully:
- Identify Niche-Specific Grants: Not all grants are suitable for every business. It’s critical to select grants that align with your business’s niche, including your industry, stage of business, and geographic region. Regardless of your business’s B2B, B2G, B2C, or D2C operations, concentrate your efforts on finding grants that precisely meet your requirements. This strategic approach saves time and increases your chances of success.
- Tell Your Business’s Unique Story: Your application must tell a compelling story about your business to capture the interest of grant reviewers. Articulate why your business is important, the impact it has on your customers, and the current challenges you face. Highlighting how the grant will propel your business forward can make your application stand out. Think about what makes your business unique and why it deserves this funding—be persuasive and passionate.
- Transparent Allocation of Funds: Clearly outline how you plan to use the grant funds. Reviewers want to see that you have a thoughtful, strategic plan for the funding. Break down the allocation of funds: specify what percentage of the grant will go towards certain areas of your business, and explain why these spending choices are critical for your growth. This transparency not only shows meticulous planning but also assures funders that their investment will have a tangible impact.
Leveraging Grants and Pitch Competitions
Grants and pitch competitions not only provide financial backing without the need to repay, but also provide valuable exposure. Here’s how to leverage these opportunities:
- Research: Find grants and competitions tailored to your industry or demographic. Use resources like local business associations or women’s business centers.
- Prepare Your Pitch: Develop a compelling story that highlights the uniqueness and potential impact of your business. Practice your delivery to be confident and persuasive. Check out our tips on creating a winning pitch deck.
- Showcase Your Business: Use these platforms to not only compete for funds but to also attract attention from potential investors, customers, and partners.
- Follow Up: Engage with other participants and judges after events. Even if you don’t win, these contacts can lead to future opportunities.
Unlock Your Potential: Partnering with Chykalophia
At Chykalophia, we’re passionate about using our creative and technological expertise to drive positive change in society. Founded by Peter and Ari Krzyzek, we’re deeply committed to supporting women entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
Our excitement stems from the opportunity to blend data and technology with social and cultural impact. We understand the challenges women-led brands face, and we’re here to help without overshadowing their vision.
Are you ready to take the next step? Book an intro call to discuss how we can support your business goals and bring your vision to life. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Conclusion: Empowerment Through Information and Action
For women entrepreneurs, understanding and accessing suitable funding sources can be transformative. By integrating the insights from stories like Ari’s, learning about the spectrum of available funding, and actively pursuing both capital and networking opportunities, women can build robust businesses poised for success. Let Ari’s journey inspire you to explore diverse funding avenues and harness your business’s full potential.