October marks National Women’s Small Business Month and Appalachian Botanical Co. is here for it! We take pride in our West Virginian origins and locale—plus the fact that we truly put both the land and people back to work!
ABCo President and Founder Jocelyn Sheppard says, “A small business offers the chance to learn and grow as the company learns and grows. I'm proud to be part of a small business that knows firsthand the quality of our ingredients, products and processes, and a small business that values the people who make our success possible.”
The benefits that a women-owned small business brings to a community are vast, but here are just a few, concrete examples:
- Locally and women-owned small businesses bring revenue to communities.
- Small businesses are more likely to support local organizations, schools and projects.
- Small businesses provide a tremendous number of jobs, keeping local economies going and growing.
When women are included in the small business factor, business diversity is increased. And business diversity is essential in providing a model for others to follow. When women see other women succeed, they are motivated to succeed too!
Just the Facts, Ma’am
For the more math-minded, here are just a few eye-opening stats to stress the importance and prevalence of women-owned businesses. (Source: https://www.fundera.com/resources/women-owned-business-statistics)
- The US has 12.3 million women-owned businesses.
- US women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion a year.
- 40% of US businesses are women-owned.
- Women receive only 7% of venture funds for their startups.
- Women started 1,821 net new businesses every day last year.
- 64% of new women-owned businesses were started by women of color last year.
- There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago.
You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.
—Fred Rogers
Success in a small business is often associated with ethos, and ethos involves the spirit and character of a community. You may not stop to think about the personality of a business, but the personality of a place can actually inspire an entire community. Think of your neighborhood and what makes it unique or great, and often, a local business will be part of the reason. ABCo. values its employees, its high quality ingredients, local sourcing, personalized customer service, and integrity in its business dealings, and the emphasis on these values permeates every single aspect of their work.
Chief Technical Officer Marina Sawyer adds, “As a small business owner, it is important to me to know that I am helping my community—providing the old fashion hands-on quality customer service that has long been forgotten. The community appreciates such qualities and tends to shop local, thus keeping the economy dollars local.”
There’s No “I” in Teamwork
Yeah, yeah, we’re all tired of that cliche, but it is absolutely true. Without hard-working people, a new business doesn’t stand a chance. Good people reside in the heart of any successful enterprise, and ABCo. hopes you’ll take a minute to read about the fine folk who make up Team Lavender.
Thinking about starting your own business?
Through the U.S. Small Business Administration, the federal government helps women entrepreneurs launch new business and compete in the marketplace. Training and funding opportunities offered specifically to women is also available. Check out
SBA’s resources for women-owned businesses to learn more.
MEET THE AUTHOR / TINA TUMINELLA is a writer from Pittsburgh, PA who thinks of herself as an eater, talker, music-lover, mommy, francophile, and obsessive recycler. She bakes sweet things regularly, rides bikes and hikes with her family, and is a sucker for a pun. Her favorite product: Organic Lavender Cream