The growth of women-owned businesses in the United States has grown at warp speed over the past decade alone. Accompanying the surge are valuable opportunities for these entrepreneurs to learn from one another by joining women-owned business networks.

These organizations connect like-minded business owners for brainstorming sessions, conferences, speaker panels and many other constructive opportunities that offer great value in terms of both knowledge learned and dollars earned. 

In 2025, more than ever, it is crucial that female business leaders stay on top of their game, in part by absorbing new strategies shared by colleagues. Women-owned businesses competing for the same pool of dollars has seen tremendous expansion. In 2024, there were 14.5 million women-owned businesses that comprised almost 42 percent of all businesses in the U.S. 

These female-owned firms generated $2.7 trillion, according to the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) 2024 Annual Report and the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report.

By comparison, in 2015 there were 1 million female-led businesses across the country that comprised one-fifth of the economy. And there is every reason to believe that the skyrocketing uptick will continue to ramp up. 

People may find it odd that competitors would want to meet to share business strategies and industry secrets. They might eschew networks for that reason, wanting to keep their business plans close to the vest.

Yet, women-owned business networks are a very positive chance for everyone to increase profits by pooling their knowledge.

Networking groups specific to certain business owners allow for sharing experiences and challenges that are unique to their circumstances. The network promotes a communal feeling and sense of teamwork that supports professional development, sometimes through mentoring and peer coaching. Hearing colleagues share stories of overcoming adversity and lessons learned can be hugely inspiring and motivating. 

In addition, female business leaders may know of grants, incentives and other great opportunities that they can share with colleagues.

Benefits offered through networking groups include directories, discounts and opportunities for speaking engagements and other high-visibility scenarios. This, in turn, boosts a business owner’s credibility among prospective clients.

Female-owned business networks likewise play advocacy roles. One example is promoting sensitivity training that can lead to more inclusive and respectful workplaces, giving women business leaders a better and deserved opportunity to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

In addition to women business leaders, there are networks for just about every minority that offer similar benefits.

Through shared ideas, resources and many more benefits, business networks strive for a common denominator: helping their members build strong, successful businesses.

There are both local and national organizations. Be sure to look into local chambers of commerce, they will be able to help you locate local chapters. Here is just a small list of networking groups for women and other minority-owned businesses.

• NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners)
• Chief
• The Ellevate Network
• The Dames Collective
• She Runs It
• eWomen Network
• NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council)
• BENC Women of Color LEGACY Community Resource Group
• U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)
• ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America
• U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)
• Latinas Think Big
• The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP)
• The Asian American Entrepreneurs Network (AEN)