Whether you’re embarking on your first entrepreneurial venture or already a titan of industry, every woman could benefit from professional guidance and a community of like-minded business leaders. As part of our Women’s History Month series, we’ve mapped out seven business resources for women in North County that will motivate and guide you in your entrepreneurial journey:
1. North County Women In Networking
North County Women In Networking (NCWIN) is a Vista-based organization that empowers women professionals by providing networking opportunities through virtual or socially distanced events. NCWIN also runs a scholarship program in partnership with Cal State San Marcos that has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to its female students. Enroll as a member and register for one of their upcoming monthly luncheons or networking socials.
This San Diego County-based business accelerator is focused on investing in female-led startups. Ad Astra’s eight-week program prepares female founders to successfully build, run and scale their businesses in an authentic way. Paired with a small cohort of other founding teams, Ad Astra’s mentees meet weekly with dedicated industry leaders and advisors to elevate their businesses. Apply to be a founder selected for the next cohort, or explore Ad Astra’s portfolio companies.
3. North County African American Women’s Association
If you are a Black woman looking for resources to help further your education in business, look no further than the North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA). This non-profit organization provides young Black women living in Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside and Carlsbad with financial awards to help realize their dreams and increase self-sufficiency. Apply for a scholarship, or sign up for their newsletter Dove Delivery to receive access to special events, NCAAWA happenings and more.
4. Hera Hub
Did you know that Carlsbad is home to one of the first international, female-focused coworking spaces? Hera Hub supports its members by providing a productive, safe working environment where women can grow prosperous businesses. The coworking space also offers mentoring services, educational business seminars and networking opportunities. Check out Hera Hub’s business resources page or tune into one of its podcasts, where women entrepreneurs share their stories.
5. Athena
Athena is a premier San Diego-based women’s advocacy organization that fast tracks women in STEM by connecting them with a reputable network of mentors, coaches and sponsors. It also offers leadership programs, events, and both executive and career-level services. As a United Nations Global Compact collaborator, Athena’s advocacy and programs encourage progressive conversations around equity, and challenge local companies to commit to change.
As San Diego County’s premier entrepreneur network, eWomenNetwork uses its platform to support and promote its members’ products and services. eWomenNetwork hosts networking opportunities with successful business women through events focused on growing and scaling your business. The international organization has a network of 500,000 women through 118 chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
With a passion for turning its clients’ creativity into a sustainable and profitable business, Women’s Venture Fund helps them succeed through virtual advising services, workshops, and women’s business loans. They also have free online resources such as their COVID-19 Toolkits for Small Businesses and tips from women business leaders.
You may also like…
Thanks for featuring this list of resources. I’m on the board for North County Women in Networking and also a member of eWomen – both great organizations!