October is National Women’s Small Business Month, which means it’s time to recognize women-owned businesses everywhere, as well as the outstanding progress female entrepreneurs have made over the years. Over the past few decades, the landscape of entrepreneurship has undergone a significant transformation.

The number of women-owned businesses has been steadily rising, demonstrating not only a desire for economic independence but also a powerful force for change in the business world. Today, women-owned businesses account for a substantial portion of the global economy, showcasing the diverse talents and capabilities of women entrepreneurs.

Despite the tremendous growth of women-owned businesses, it’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges that women often face in the business world. From securing funding to breaking through gender stereotypes, women entrepreneurs have displayed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. This month is an opportunity to recognize and support these efforts.

Here are a few Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs:

1. Sara Blakely – Spanx:
   • Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a billion-dollar shapewear brand that revolutionized the undergarment industry. Her journey from a small startup to a global empire is a testament to her innovative spirit and determination.
2. Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo:
   • Indra Nooyi served as the CEO of PepsiCo for over a decade, where she transformed the company’s product portfolio and championed sustainability. Her leadership paved the way for more women to take on high-level executive roles.
3. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty:
   • Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty disrupted the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades for all skin tones. Her business acumen and commitment to diversity have made a lasting impact.
4. Reshma Saujani – Girls Who Code:
   • Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code; a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. Her work has empowered thousands of young women to pursue careers in tech.

There are so many ways to help support the Small Women owned business in your area. Sharing facts and information about women in business on social media can go a long way. If you are a woman who owns a business, try becoming a mentor for other women in your area. Your help getting them started could go a long way towards their success.

Looking to support a women-owned business? Click here to visit womenowned.com, which features a directory containing thousands of women-owned businesses across the country. The next time you go to shop, consider shopping women-owned!

Learn more at First Bank.