With Women’s History Month upon us, it’s a timely moment to reflect on why empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also incredibly smart business.
First and foremost, investing in women is a strategic move because it unlocks untapped potential. Women make up half of the global population, yet they are underrepresented in the business world. By providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support they need, we open the door to innovation and creativity that might otherwise go unrealized.
Studies have consistently shown that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, and investing in women ensures a diversity of perspectives that can drive better decision-making and problem-solving. In Tracy Killoren Chadwell’s letter to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, she talks about the need for this investment. Founding her own VC firm, 1843 Capital, Tracy has seen firsthand the need for continual investment in women and the payoff. According to her letter, women-owned businesses are growing at 5X the national average. Not to mention these businesses generate $1.6 trillion in revenue and employ over 9 million people!
Investing in women is not just about empowering individuals—it’s about strengthening entire communities and economies. When women succeed, they tend to reinvest a significant portion of their income back into their families and communities. This can have a profound impact by lifting families out of poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and fueling economic growth.
Furthermore, supporting women-led businesses is a strategic need for any investor looking to maximize returns. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their peers financially. By overlooking women entrepreneurs, investors are missing out on a vast pool of talent and potential. Unfortunately, startups established exclusively by women in 2023 secured only a mere 2% of the overall venture capital investment in the United States.
But perhaps most importantly, investing in women is simply the right thing to do. Women have faced systemic barriers and discrimination in the business world for far too long. As a CEO, I firmly believe that businesses are responsible for driving positive social change and investing in women is one of the most impactful ways to do so.
At AngeLink, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement. Our free crowdfunding platform connects women with the resources and support they need, from funding a need to funding a passion. Not to mention our staff is made up of 93% women!
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we’re honoring the achievements of women throughout history and continuing to commit ourselves to investing in the women who will shape the future. By doing so, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world for generations to come.
Gerry Poirier
Founder & CEO, AngeLink