<p>Did you know that about <a href="https://www.smallbizgenius.net/by-the-numbers/women-in-business-statistics/#gref"target="_blank">36 percent</a> of all businesses are founded by women? Or that these companies are responsible for roughly 15 percent of our current employment? Or how about the fact that women-led businesses grew by 58% from 2007 to 2018? With each passing year, women-led brands and women entrepreneurs are making major strides in the business world and generating a positive impact on the health of the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, female-led companies often don’t receive the same treatment and consideration as male-led businesses—the former receives just <a href="http://www.microbiz.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/21st-Century-Barriers-to-Womens-Entrepreneurship.pdf"target="_blank">16 percent</a> of business loans. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support and empower tomorrow’s leaders. Here are a few ways to get started.</p>  
<h2>What Does Woman-Founded Business Mean?</h2>

<p>The phrase “woman-founded business” is generally used to refer to companies which were launched by a woman or group of women. The term “women-led” can also encompass brands that were founded by men or families, but are currently overseen by women. However, some woman-founded companies are officially certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). A <a href="https://www.wbenc.org/certification/"target="_blank">WBENC Certification</a> validates that a business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. In addition, a portion of these businesses may apply for certification as a woman-founded small business (WOSB) or economically-disadvantaged woman-founded small business (EDWOSB) under the <a href="https://www.nwbc.gov/content/what-certification/"target="_blank">WOSB Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program</a>).</p>  
<h2>Benefits of Supporting a Woman-Founded Business</h2>

<p>Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of supporting woman-founded businesses is backing companies that are an integral component of our economy. In fact, according to a <a href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/2017/05/31/womens-business-ownership-data-from-the-2012-survey-of-business-owner/"target="_blank">2012 survey</a>, woman-founded businesses employ over 8.4 million workers and generate $264 billion in payroll. In addition, as majority and joint business owners, women entrepreneurs generate $2.5 trillion in sales.</p> 
<h2>Tips for Shopping Woman-Founded Businesses</h2>

<p>If you’re looking for more ways to support women-led brands, try these smart tips:</p><br><ul>

<li>Use online directories (like <a href="http://www.sba8a.com/"target="_blank">this one</a>) to source woman-founded businesses before making purchases.</li> 
<li>Promote your favorite woman-led brands on your social media accounts.</li>
<li>Donate to organizations that support female entrepreneurship.</li> 
<li>If you’ve had a positive experience with a woman-founded company, be sure to offer a positive review where possible.</li></ul>  
<h2>Top Woman-Founded Brands</h2>


<p>Stock up on these female-founded brands.</p> 
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/brand/beekeepers-naturals"target="_blank">Beekeeper’s Naturals</a></h2>
<p>Carly Stein founded Beekeeper’s Naturals Beekeeper’s after experiencing the benefits of propolis first-hand. This eco-conscious brand makes throat spray, superfood honey, and bee pollen. The brand also partners with bee research institutions and helps spread awareness about how essential these insects are to our food system.</p>  
<h3>B.Powered Superfood Honey</h3>
<p>This <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/beekeepers-naturals-bee-powered-superfood-blend"target="_blank">rich raw nectar</a> combines propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen for a superfood ingredient to enjoy daily. Thrive Market member Amelia from Arizona calls it “incredible” and appreciates that it’s an affordable option too.</p>  
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/brand/teeccino"target="_blank">Teeccino</a></h2>
<p>Founded by Caroline MacDougall, Teeccino offers non-caffeinated herbal brews to help keep you fueled and nourished throughout the day without the harmful side effects you might experience with coffee.</p>   
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/teeccino-french-roast-herbal-coffee-alternative"target="_blank">French Roast Herbal Coffee Alternative</a></h3>
<p>This bold blend of organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, and organic ramon seeds is so rich and robust, you’ll be surprised to learn it doesn’t include caffeine.</p>  
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/brand/mamma-chia"target="_blank">Mamma Chia</a></h2>
<p>Mamma Chia got its start when founder and CEO Janie Hoffman, in her quest to maintain a healthy diet, discovered the many benefits of eating chia seeds. Each nutrient-dense product is produced using sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in order to offer the best organic, chia-based food and beverages on the market.</p>  
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/mamma-chia-organic-chia-seeds-black"target="_blank">Organic Black Chia Seeds</a></h3>
<p>Enjoy a dose of protein, calcium, iron, and fiber, plus tons of crunch, with every serving of this superfood essential. Sprinkle these crunchy seeds on salads, yogurt, or smoothie bowls.</p> 
<h2>You Might Like</h2>

<p>Want more? Dig into the Thrive Market blog!</p> 
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/iwd-2021-female-entrepreneurs-on-challenge"target="_blank">Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs</a></h3>

<p>Though we’re especially mindful of women entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day, we encourage you to celebrate and support them all year long. Check out some of our favorite female leaders.</p>  
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/the-benefits-of-probiotics-for-women"target="_blank">Benefits of Probiotics for Women</a></h3>
<p>Probiotics are a crucial part of women’s health, especially when it comes to promoting good digestion, vaginal health, fertility health, skin health, and more.</p>  
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/businesses-with-a-social-mission"target="_blank">Businesses With a Social Mission</a></h3>
<p>Interested in shopping brands that give back in a big way? We couldn’t agree more, which is why we’ve compiled a short list of a few favorites along with a closer look at our own social initiatives.</p> 

Support female business owners by shopping at Thrive Market. We offer a variety of brands from the woman-founded business that are sure to fulfill your needs.

These woman-led brands were founded by female entrepreneurs working with a mission and purpose in mind.

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