5 Ways to Find and Support Local Women-Owned Businesses
- WCEO
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
As a consumer, supporting women-owned businesses is a great way to invest in your community while enjoying high-quality products and services. Whether you are looking for a new favorite salon, boutique, or service provider, here are five effortless ways to find top-rated women-owned businesses near you.
Use Online Reviews to Find Women-Owned Businesses
Those handheld computers we carry around every day, i.e., mobile devices, make finding online reviews easy. Some platform options include:
· Yelp – Use the "Women-Owned" filter to refine your search. For example, https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Women+Owned+Restaurants&find_loc=Columbus%2C+OH
· Google Reviews – To find Google reviews for a business, simply search for the business name on Google or Google Maps, then navigate to the business profile and click on the "Reviews" tab. Search terms like "women-owned businesses near me" to discover local options
· TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com)– Ideal for finding top-rated women-led restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
· Trustpilot (https://www.trustpilot.com) – An open, independent, and impartial platform with reviews directly from consumers
Browse Women-Owned Business Directories
Some websites and organizations focus on promoting women entrepreneurs. You can explore:
· The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity
· The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned and small businesses thrive
· The Ohio Department of Development offers a search engine that connects consumers with minority owned businesses https://development.my.site.com/ODSA/s/mbddcertsearch
· Local Chamber of Commerce directories
These resources make it easy to find verified women-owned businesses with great reputations.
Follow Women-Owned Businesses on Social Media
Many women entrepreneurs promote their businesses on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Try searching hashtags like:
Following these businesses allows you to stay updated on new products, deals, and events.
Ask Friends and Community Groups for Recommendations
Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to discover hidden gems. Customers tend to boast about positive shopping experiences. Ask friends, family, and coworkers about their favorite women-owned businesses. You can also join local Facebook Groups or check out Next-door for local recommendations.
Visit Women-Owned Business Events and Markets
Many cities host pop-up markets and networking events featuring women entrepreneurs. These events let you meet business owners, sample their products, and support them directly. Options include:
· Local event listings on Eventbrite or Meetup. Enter “women” in the search bar and the page populates with events, seminars and markets!
· Women-focused business associations such as NAWBO. (https://nawbo.org/)
· Small business fairs and farmers' markets
Conclusion
As a consumer, you have the power to support and uplift women entrepreneurs while discovering amazing products and services. By utilizing these five approaches, you can successfully discover women-owned businesses that that align with your needs and preferences.