6 Helpful Organizations for Women Entrepreneurs in 2017

Wherever you are in the world, 2017 is an exciting time to be a female entrepreneur. Now, more than ever before, women in business are making a huge impact. According to the Womenable's 2016 report, there are over 11 million businesses owned by women in the U.S., and these businesses generate over $1.6 trillion in revenues. This figure is expected to rise.

If you are a female entrepreneur, you will recognize that women face a unique set of challenges in the business world. Recognizing these challenges, successful female entrepreneurs have created organizations through which women can gain from each other's expertise. Here are six influential organizations that will support you on your journey to success:

1. Ladies Who Launch

Ladies Who Launch was founded by female entrepreneur Victoria Colligan. It started off as an organization that provided advice and inspiration to women in business at a time when there was not much support available.

Victoria interviewed many women in business to see what she could learn from them. Using this valuable information, Victoria, together with a group of expert leaders, organized numerous free workshops and events. These helped millions of women all over the world. Now, the Ladies Who Launch website includes expertise, tips, and advice covering a whole range of business-related topics pertinent to women.

You can also download a range of useful templates including business plans, forms, agreements, and contracts for your business. Looking for inspiration? Read the various success stories and interviews with women entrepreneurs for a real boost.

2. Women in Wireless

The mobile industry has an increasing number of female business leaders. A small group of these leaders came together in 2009, to form a group as part of the Mobile Marketing Association. Their goal was to be able to share strategies and ideas with other females working in mobile technology, a field dominated by men.

In 2011, due to their large membership base, the group founded a non-profit organization called Women in Wireless. Women in Wireless now has over 12,000 members and 10 chapters in the US and UK. Every month, the organization hosts panels and networking events. These give women a chance to meet likeminded entrepreneurs and develop ideas together.

3. Women Home Business

For top tips and advice, look no further than Women Home Business. This organization's website has countless inspirational success stories from women who have developed, marketed, and managed their own businesses. The site also shares business strategies and success tips through informative articles.

Women Home Business hopes that by sharing the lessons that were learned from successful entrepreneurs through trial and error, others can develop their own businesses more easily.

4. Female Entrepreneur Association

The Female Entrepreneur Association was started by Carrie Green, a young woman who was struggling to find direction after creating a successful business that was now running itself. She decided to look for women in a similar situation, and the Female Entrepreneur Association was born. Her stylish, upbeat website brings women together for support and inspiration. Apart from helpful articles and a line of 'How She Did It' success stories, there are also weekly emails and videos, online masterclasses, and a blog. Additionally, 'The Members' Club' is an online forum through which female entrepreneurs can connect and socialize. The organization also has a free magazine called 'This Girl Means Business', which contains how-to features and interviews to help you develop your business.

5. Women 2.0

Women 2.0 was founded in 2006 to encourage gender equality and increase the number of women in the tech world through publicity. Now, it prides itself as a global media hub, and the 'leading media brand for women in tech'.

Women 2.0 runs programs and workshops to empower female entrepreneurs and help them succeed in business. It also holds conferences and events worldwide to promote women in the tech sector, speaking about the difficulties women face and how to overcome them. Their website contains the latest news and other useful content for women in tech.

The founding partners of the organization take a practical approach by assisting women with fundraising and finding investors for their businesses. Women 2.0 are also launching a recruitment platform to help women find jobs in the tech industry.

6. The Next Women

Another worthwhile organization to get involved with is The Next Women. It primarily acts as a business accelerator, making connections between women-led startups, investors, and business leaders. Women who become members of The Next Women are able to benefit from a wide range of tools and expert guidance to grow their businesses from the very beginning. The organization also runs events where women can discuss business issues, receive advice, and meet new people. There is also an annual pitch competition during which startups gain exposure and women invest in women-led companies.

Thanks to these six organizations, it's no longer a lonely world for the modern female entrepreneur. Whether you're looking for networking opportunities or expert advice, check them out, and get the boost you need to develop your business.