The month of October is National Women’s Small Business Month, which is dedicated to bringing awareness around recognition and support for women in female entrepreneurship.
Did you know that there are over 13 million women-owned small businesses throughout the United States and that number is only growing! Women-owned businesses represent almost 42% of US businesses, generate almost $2 trillion in annual revenue, and employ over 10 million people in our country.
Supporting female small business owners means supporting families and inspiring other women to be successful. We wanted to bring awareness to this important month and the amazing contributions of female leaders throughout the Valley and the state of Arizona!
The Growth Of Female Entrepreneurship
The 1980s were pivotal as more women began starting businesses that demanded additional resources to be able to compete in a male-dominated business world. Groups and organizations were developed to recognize female contributions and provide a means of collaboration. This then led to October representing Women-Owned Small Business Month.
Throughout the last decade, Arizona has seen a surge in female business ownership. This directly impacting our local economies. Arizona showed a high percent increase in women-owned business owners (almost a 17% growth) and a high percentage of revenue exceeding $1 million annually. This puts Arizona as number 8 on the overall list of top states for women small business owners.
Support The Movement In Arizona
Our local communities have some amazing women-owned small businesses that make a daily impact on our communities. The HardPart Media team proudly recognizes all of our local women-owned businesses! Here are a few examples across various industries to give a shout out to:
- Fair Trade Café (Phoenix) – Owned by Stephanie Vasquez, Fair Trade Café is a community-focused coffee shop that emphasizes sustainable, fair trade practices.
- Uptown Medispa (Scottsdale) – Co-owned by Dr. Laura Bengoa, Uptown Medispa offers aesthetic services like Botox, facials, and laser treatments.
- Phoenix NAP (Phoenix) – Owned by Mia Urman, Phoenix NAP provides data center services and is a leader in global IT solutions.
- Phoenix Coqui (Phoenix) – A Puerto Rican food truck owned by Milly Martinez that brings the flavors of Puerto Rico to the streets of Phoenix.
- Lux Central (Phoenix) – Owned by Danielle Morris, Lux Central is a beloved coffee shop offering high-quality food, drinks, and a community-centered environment.
- Ruby Mae Jewelry (Phoenix) – Owned by Samara Kirkpatrick, Ruby Mae Jewelry offers handmade, custom-designed jewelry using precious metals and stones.
- La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria (Phoenix) – Owned by Emily Collins, this popular spot is known for its gourmet pizza, wine, and grocery selection.
- Urban Yoga (Phoenix) – Owned by Becky Jordan, Urban Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training for the local community.
- Practical Art (Phoenix) – Owned by Lisa Olson, Practical Art is a gallery and shop featuring functional artwork by Arizona artists, offering unique pieces and workshops.
- The Sparkle Bar (Scottsdale) – Co-founded by Leiah Scheibel, The Sparkle Bar is Arizona’s first full-service makeup studio.
- Dulce Churro Café (Gilbert) – Owned by Adela Garcia, this café specializes in serving churros with a variety of fillings, as well as other sweet treats.
Additional Resources: Be Involved and Join A Network Of Support
Women-owned businesses play a significant role in the economy and in local communities like Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. If you are thinking of starting a business, attend seminars or workshops that promote small business networking and growth. Participate in programs for female mentorship and find valuable resources in other women who have found success. Or even be that person for others. Help to pave the way for future female leaders.
There are various organizations that you can also join to support women-owned small businesses throughout the state and be a voice. The American Business Women’s Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners operate nationally there are even state-specific organizations like the Arizona Small Business Association and the Arizona Women’s Education and Entrepreneur Center. These organizations will provide information on connecting and collaborating within a female networking group.
Let’s Take Time To Celebrate Strong Women!
October serves as a platform for both awareness and education of businesses across all industries that are owned by women. Staying involved and up to date will help you to continue to learn as well as to inspire others to take part within the women-owned business community throughout Arizona.