National Womens Small Business Month

October is National Women's Small Business Month

This National Women's Small Business Month, I am reminded that my journey as a Veteran and women-owned small business is part of a larger movement. Much like my military career, I'm standing on shoulders of trailblazers who came before me, so I feel compelled to do my small part in paving the way for those who come after me.

When I enlisted in the Navy in May 1988, a woman still needed a male relative to cosign for a business loan.

Let that sink in for a second...I could join the Navy, see the world, jump out of perfectly good airplanes, dive in a hardhat suit to depths of 190 feet, drive a multi-million-dollar vessel, but my dad or spouse had to co-sign my business loan?!

Thankfully by October of 1988 President Reagan signed H.R. 5050 into law; the first legislature that recognized the importance of women entrepreneurs in the American Economy. Self Portrait of Laura Hatcher

The Small Business Administration reports we've grown from 400,000 women-owned businesses in 1972 to over 13 million today, representing 42% of all businesses. And talk about impact, collectively women entrepreneurs are collectively generating more than $1.9 trillion in revenue.

Here is how you can help me celebrate National Women's Small Business Month:

Talk about it!

Share some positive facts about women in business and inspire the next generation.

WOSB Certification

I am certified by the SBA as a "Women Owned Small Business" which means when it comes to government contracts I will get a fair shot. If you are a female entrepreneur with a desire to compete for government contracts - get certified.

Volunteer or mentor

I sponsored a DoD Skillbridge Intern for four months this past year, and serve as a business mentor for the Alexandria Economic Development Partners and more recently I'm mentoring high school students on entrepreneurship and photography.