It can sometimes feel like being on a lonely, grueling journey when starting as an entrepreneur. Additionally, female entrepreneurs face unique challenges, often juggling building a business, providing for a household, and caring for aging parents or children. Finding a community of like-minded professionals who are in the same boat or have overcome similar challenges is critical to staying motivated and gaining the support you need during the highs and lows of owning a business. If you’re a female business owner in San Diego who is just starting, needs assistance growing your business, or is looking for social and professional connections, here are four resources you could benefit from.
#1: Women’s Business Center
As a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administrations, the San Diego & Imperial Women’s Business Center seeks to provide opportunities to female entrepreneurs through various free to low-cost resources, such as training, networking events, counseling, and access to capital. The center has helped over 3,200 clients and 780 businesses grow.
#2: The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
One of 60 chapters across the country, NAWBO-San Diego is a membership-based group that helps female entrepreneurs at any stage of business while being a voice to shape public and economic policy. In addition to business resources, networking, and other events, the group encourages its members to share their insights and expertise, providing invaluable access to professionals from various industries and walks of life. Joining NAWBO’s online community is free, and multiple membership tiers are available for college students, voting members, and more.
#3: Hera Hub
While you can work there remotely or host events or meetings with added professionalism in a spa-inspired, supportive environment, Hera Hub La Jolla differs from your average coworking space. Female-focused and gender-inclusive, Hera Hub also provides members with in-house professional “gurus,” member-only workshops covering various business topics, and monthly luncheons and networking events to deepen personal and professional connections. Meeting with gurus during dedicated office hours is free and open to members and non-members to ask questions and get free expert advice.
#4: Women in Business
Women in Business (WIB) San Diego is unlike typical professional groups because it’s focused on building relationships beyond business. While its members enjoy business-driven learning sessions and may find professional leads, networking is not the goal at WIB. Its members can connect and build friendships with other female business owners who understand their challenges and successes, and share similar social interests such as book club discussions and volunteering.
Joining a community and asking for help are key to finding business solutions, staying inspired, filling in the gaps in your skills and strengths, and connecting with professionals who “get it.” At Primary, we provide a range of resources for business owners that you can view in our Help Center, plus guidance in securing alternative funding on your entrepreneurial path. Learn more about how we may assist you at any stage in launching or expanding your business.