The United States has 12.3 million women-owned businesses that generate $1.8 trillion a year and employ nearly nine million people. These numbers continue to grow. In fact, there are 114 percent more female entrepreneurs in America today than there were 20 years ago. Despite those staggering numbers, there is still no simple framework or guidebook for women interested in navigating the business world. Whether you want to start your business, take your business to the next level or climb the corporate ladder, finding the right resources, communities and guidance is a must.

Resources for Entrepreneurs

Here are six valuable groups to contact for support, ongoing education and networking opportunities.

1. The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) was founded in 1975 and has chapters across the country. It is a well-known organization responsible for networking and representing women-owned businesses. The association provides mutual support, shared resources, and a single voice to help shape economic and public policy. Members have access to extensive resources, large-scale forums, conferences and other events, both virtual and live. NAWBO’s goal is to propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

2. The Small Business Administration is a government entity for small businesses in different stages and industries. In addition to financial resources, funding programs and federal contracting, the organization offers hundreds of resources and systems of support. Its Office of Women’s Business Ownership has specific resources for female business owners and their employees, including tailored workshops, events and advice.

3. The National Women’s Business Council is a non-partisan federal advisory committee committed to advocating for women in business. The committee serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to government entities on issues of importance to women business owners and entrepreneurs. It offers resources to women in business including webinars, roundtables and fireside chats.

4. The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) was developed to secure economic justice and entrepreneurial opportunities for women. A non-profit organization, AWBC sustains a national network of more than 100 Women’s Business Centers. These centers provide training, mentoring, business development, networking and financing opportunities to over 150,000 female entrepreneurs each year.

5. Center for Women & Enterprise is a non-profit organization with a mission to instigate inclusive economic empowerment for women. The group helps women business owners and aspiring women entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. They do this by providing access to educational resources, training, technical assistance and tools, and even small loans.

6. Ladies Who Launch (LWL) is a modern, community-focused non-profit that aims to connect women entrepreneurs through in-person and online experiential events. Through educational resources, the group’s mentor Launch Program and other community tools, LWL seeks to empower a global community of female and non-binary entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.

More Than Gender Equality

Women have made incredible strides in the business world over the last several decades. While their numbers in leadership positions are steadily increasing, women often face more challenges in the workplace than their male counterparts. To succeed in business, women, whether entrepreneurs or aspiring corporate leaders, require access to the right resources, communities and support. By connecting with other women entrepreneurs or corporate leaders, engaging in ongoing professional development or learning more about the business growth strategies, women can build confidence, create new opportunities and support other women in achieving their professional goals.