Business is always moving forward, and women-owned businesses are a perfect measure of progress. Businesses whose ownership is made up of 51% Women still fall in the minority of businesses, despite progress over the last few decades. As of 2017 data, 39% of all businesses in the U.S. are women-owned, according to NAWBO (the National Association of Women Business Owners). Women-led businesses employ 8% of workers and generate $1.7 trillion in revenues annually. Whether your focus is economic impact, growth or diversity, equity, and inclusion, doing business with a women-owned business is a good move. Here's why.
Demonstrated support in diverse markets.
By working with a WBE, you show your company’s commitment to working in diverse markets and furthering economic growth in local communities. When doing business with a business led by women, you support women and equality for female success in the agency industry. Doors may also be open to other diverse opportunities due to the WBE’s dedication to expanding business relationships.
Provides tax incentives.
As an initiative to support and grow women-owned businesses, the federal government provides tax incentives to companies that conduct business with a WBE Certified or minority-run business. Additionally, tax liabilities may be reduced for projects that are funded with federal or state grants using a women-owned business as a supplier. In the end, subcontracting specific services to a women-owned business will not only save your business money but could improve your ROI.
Promotes unique creativity.
A women-owned business often takes an innovative and flexible approach to meeting partners' needs. Most WBEs are adaptive with how to strategically support current efforts and initiatives down the road. Flexibility in our agency also means a stronger commitment to the creative process, providing our partners with the best strategic minds for their marketing, advertising, and public relations projects.
Shared organizational resources.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a great organization to be involved in. Through our certification, Matchbook is able to attend local networking events, gain valuable resources and collaborate with organizations across the nation. The WBENC offers regular training, workshops, and various professional development resources. All of these benefits are to ultimately make us better for our partners, which we see as a top priority.
About Matchbook
Matchbook is proud to be a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). Donna Gray and Christy Gormal, our co-founders and respective CEO and President, have always held the intention to support meaningful purposes, better the client-to-agency relationship and support women while doing so. In order for a company to call itself a WBE, at least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens, among other requirements. Since 2011, we have obtained and maintained our WBE certifications on the federal level, along with certifications in Indiana. No matter the industry, our partners have found that working with a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise has its advantages, too.
