How do you register as a woman-owned small business?

There are many options for women-owned businesses to register for certification that allows them increased visibility, educational resources, access to corporate partnerships, and government funding. For example, the federal government’s Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program awards at least 5% of annual federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. Qualifying businesses can register for certification of a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business online with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women-owned businesses can also find support and assistance with organizations such as the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce .

What does it mean to be a woman-owned business?

The U.S. government defines a woman-owned small business as one that meets SBA size standards and is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions about the company. The program is open to U.S. citizens born or naturalized in the United States. Resident alien and permanent visa holders are ineligible.

How do you support women-owned businesses?

The best way to show you support women-owned businesses is by becoming a customer. Women still make less money on the dollar than men for equal work, and face discrimination when it comes to securing funding in a financial industry still dominated by men, so shopping at women-owned businesses helps put more money in women’s pockets. You can also support women-owned businesses by telling your friends about them, hashtagging them on social media, and otherwise spreading the word.

The 18 Best Women-Owned Businesses of 2023

When you shop women-owned businesses, you support women's economic empowerment, gender equality, and overall economic growth and discover some amazing products—whether you're shopping for a thank-you gift or birthday present. You might find a present for the college girl or busy mom in your life.

We researched the best women-owned businesses to buy from, considering factors like ownership, diversity, and community ties. Our list features brands like Minted, Estelle Colored Glass, The Sill, and Otherwild, a destination for unique and sustainable finds.

View On Otherwild.com

Otherwild is a one-stop shop for funky and colorful additions to your home, kitchen, or daily routine. From apparel, accessories, and homewares to makeup and skincare products, every item in the Los Angeles-based business screams unique and handmade.

Otherwild's LGBTQ+ founder Rachel Berk is committed to supporting grassroots activists and social justice movements and sustainability. The shop sells plastic-free home products such as bamboo toothbrushes, dental floss refills, and compostable soap holders and holds in-store refill stations for bath and body items to reduce waste.

You can even shop for your kids at Otherwild with adorable clothing and handmade toys. Any item from Otherwild is guaranteed to spark a conversation, and you can feel good about your purchase.

View On Parachute

After spending a decade in marketing, Ariel Kaye founded Parachute to bring a bit of comfort to everyday home essentials. Those essentials range from sheets, towels, bath robes, and even mattresses. The certified organic cotton and New Zealand wool are eco-friendly and sustainable. In particular, for those who love to unwind at home, the waffle lounge sets and robes will be your best friends after a long day or a relaxing bath.

The 12 Best Robes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

View On Walmart View On Target View On CVS

Dr. Kristian Henderson founded BLK + GRN as a makeup and skincare marketplace where all of the products are created by Black artisans handpicked by Black health experts. Purchase anything from skincare, cleaning products, menstrual care, or even baby products, and be assured all of the ingredients are safe and effective. Part of the brand's motto is "We're Black, yes, but we live Green."

View On Sheilabridges.com

From designing for entertainers to political powerhouses, Sheila Bridges is a legend in the design world and was even named “America’s Best Interior Designer.” While it might be a bit tough to get one-on-one design advice from the pro, she does offer an online shop so you can add a bit of flair to your living space. Choose between wall decals and even a few fabric samples that can be added to the walls or even framed.

View On Jungalow.com

For the person who wants their home to truly speak to their individual sense of style, Jungalow has pretty much everything to satisfy those decor needs. The company was started by Justina Blakeney and features products designed by her and her team as well as a curated collection of other goods. There's bedding, colorful prints, renter-friendly peel-and-stick temporary wallpaper, and so much more. The brand's focus on sustainability includes using organic fabrics, upcycling fabric remnants, and planting more than 60,000 trees in Africa.

The 9 Best Removable Wallpapers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Hey Bartender

View On Hey-bartender.com

A fun activity that doesn't even require you to leave home? That's exactly what Hey Bartender offers. The virtual cocktail experience is perfect for friends or family who want to get together from the comfort of their respective homes. Just sign up, let the company know what type of experience you're seeking, and they'll do the rest. They can either ship the spirits to your recipients or provide a list of what they'll need. Either way, the virtual day of the event features a bartender who walks guests through the ins and outs of mixing up amazing cocktails.

Lux & Nyx

View On Luxandnyx.com

When Lisa Hu started Lux & Nyx, the goal was to create handbags that aren't just fashionable, but truly functional for the woman on the go. The brand includes totes, handbags, wallets, and more. Their uniquely designed backpack isn't solely a book bag, but the detachable crossbody can also convert into a clutch or belt bag. And the origami tote doesn't just have a fun design, but it's made of durable neoprene material and has an expandable style, making it great for travel.

View On Minted

Founded in 2007 by Mariam Naficy, Minted has become the go-to for anyone seeking unique art to add some life and personality to boring walls. The company offers products from artists across the world. What’s really great is with every item is that you can learn more about the artist and where they’re from. You’ll have no trouble finding beautiful murals, linens, or even lampshades. Many of the wall murals are available in a range of sizes, and they’re easy to apply (thanks to adhesive backing) and reposition.

View On Estellecoloredglass.com View On Food52 View On West Elm

It’s no wonder Estelle Colored Glass has such a timeless, vintage vibe. The brand was inspired by Stephanie Summerson Hall’s grandmother, Estelle, or “Big Mama.” The line of hand-blown glasses features cake stands and glassware that come in sets of two or six. Hence the brand’s name, the colorful glass (amber, amethyst, coral peach pink, forest green) stands out from the usual.

The 32 Best Gifts From Black-Owned Businesses of 2023

Maven Made

View On Mavenmaderva.com

Bethany Frazier created Maven Made after developing a plant-based product to heal her cystic acne. From that one product, the brand has evolved to include serums, oils, and scrubs. In addition to beauty, the Room + Linen Spray should be near every bedside. All ingredients are organic, and plant-based, and each small-batch bottle is “mindfully crafted,” meaning Frazier doesn’t create the products if she’s stressed or in a bad mood.

View On Thesill.com

Whether real or faux, plants are having a major moment, and being a plant parent is suddenly chic. The Sill ships those green beauties right to your doorstep. It’s super easy to find the right fit as the options are broken down into categories like best for low light, best for pet owners or beginner-friendly. Choose a one-time order or opt for the subscription which delivers a new plant and planter every single month.

The 15 Best Places to Buy Plants Online in 2023

North 24th Home

View On North24home.com

North 24th Home is named after the street Toria Malia grew up on. Saturday morning cleaning was a regular occurrence, so she created a line of products free of parabens, sulfates, and harsh chemicals. The collections have names like Momma Rose and Kindred. The coconut soy wax candles are hand-poured, have a wooden wick, and have more than 40 hours of burn time. With notes like rosemary and eucalyptus, this is a candle that will get tons of burn time. What truly separates the brand is every order comes with a QR code for a playlist.

The 16 Best Scented Candles of 2023

View On Fromourplace.com

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of or at least seen the Our Place Always Pan. The multi-purpose pan pretty much does it all (fry, steam, sauté) and looks good while doing it. The brand’s mission is “connections made across the kitchen table” with functional, but pretty stylish kitchen gear. In addition to the cult-following pan, there are also plates, bowls, and even a few add-on accessories for the nonstick cookware.

View On Theblackhome.com

Don’t let the name fool you. The Black Home doesn’t just feature black-hue products, but it’s definitely a color that creator and designer Neffi Walker gravitates towards. You’ll find wallpaper that’s great for a statement wall, candles with names like Aphrodite, Noir, and Goddess, and even gold and matte black silverware. Walker even offers ebooks on home design for anyone who wants to learn essential tips and tricks to make a house feel like a home.

Amu

View On Amu-cherian.com

No one wants to have a cookie-cutter style in their home and one way to always keep things fresh and unique is with hand-crafted decor. AMU’s style is all about block printing and that’s featured on all of the throw pillow covers. The wooden blocks are actually hand-carved by artists in India and then printed at the designer’s studio in the U.S., where she also stitches the covers. Ammu Cherian first started selling products at pop-up events and now offers a range of products online.

The 20 Best Throw Pillows of 2023

Cat's Meow Village

View On Catsmeow.com

Faline Jones is undoubtedly a cat person, but you don’t have to be to order one of her wooden replica buildings. Using 3/4-inch wood, the replicas of noteworthy spaces, like Mister Rogers Neighborhood trolley, Downton Abbey, or notable state markers, the miniatures are perfect to add to a desktop or coffee table. But what truly stands out is the ability to upload a photo of your home to have a replica created. With every Cat’s Meow design, try to spot Casper, the company mascot who’s included in every piece.

BarkBox

View On Barkbox.com

Any pet parent knows their fur babies are absolutely like their children. This company is more for the doggos, but the convenience gives pet parents peace of mind. BarkBox offers a monthly themed subscription that’s overflowing with fun, but also healthy treats. It includes toys, healthy snacks, and a chew. What’s really great is each month has a different theme so your pup can stay entertained. Past themes have included Home Alone, Lick or Treat, and Frenchies in Paris.

Bathen

View On Bathenshop.com

There's nothing more relaxing than slipping into something comfy after a bath or shower and Bathen, a company that describes itself as a "socially conscious after-bath brand" has a few options. Their cozy robes don't just come in beautiful colors, but the 100 percent cotton items are handmade in small batches in partnership with local artisans. They also offer hair towel wraps and "bathtans," or stylish caftans for wearing in or outside the home. The packaging is also eco-friendly with 100 percent recycled boxes and the items arrive in a cotton bag, versus the typical wrapping paper.

Ownership and Operation

In a world where women somehow still make less money for equal work, making a conscious effort to shop at woman-owned businesses is a meaningful and tangible way to support them. Check for women-owned business certifications or consult online directories that make it easy to support women-owned businesses. You want to make sure that the business doesn’t just have a woman as a figurehead or a marketing device, but that it is owned and operated by women.

Community Ties

One way to feel good about shopping at a women-owned business is by keeping it local. This way you know that your dollars are being spent to support women in your community who are creating businesses for themselves and jobs for others. Local women-owned businesses include traditional brick and mortar locations or online businesses.

Diversity and Giving Back

Make a point of shopping at women-owned businesses run by social entrepreneurs who focus on diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Look for clear mission statements or social partnerships listed prominently on websites and marketing materials. Choose women-owned businesses that support local, national, and global issues that you care about.

FAQ

How do you register as a woman-owned small business?

There are many options for women-owned businesses to register for certification that allows them increased visibility, educational resources, access to corporate partnerships, and government funding. For example, the federal government’s Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program awards at least 5% of annual federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. Qualifying businesses can register for certification of a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business online with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women-owned businesses can also find support and assistance with organizations such as the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
What does it mean to be a woman-owned business?

The U.S. government defines a woman-owned small business as one that meets SBA size standards and is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions about the company. The program is open to U.S. citizens born or naturalized in the United States. Resident alien and permanent visa holders are ineligible.
How do you support women-owned businesses?

The best way to show you support women-owned businesses is by becoming a customer. Women still make less money on the dollar than men for equal work, and face discrimination when it comes to securing funding in a financial industry still dominated by men, so shopping at women-owned businesses helps put more money in women’s pockets. You can also support women-owned businesses by telling your friends about them, hashtagging them on social media, and otherwise spreading the word.

This roundup was researched and written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. She loves helping her friends and family find unique, thoughtful, and wallet-friendly presents. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on-air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City.

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