During the global pandemic, businesses across the country – and certainly here in Vacaville – have struggled to stay alive. It’s especially challenging for women-owned businesses, according to a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Consider the following:

• Less than half of female business owners surveyed in July believe their revenues will increase in 2021, while 57 percent of male owners believe the same.
• One-third of women plan to increase investments in their business, compared to 39 percent of men.
• When it comes to staffing, 36 percent of men-owned businesses expect to increase staff size in 2021, while only 24 percent of women believe it will happen for their business.

 
“We cannot allow this pandemic to set back a generation of entrepreneurial women,” said Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
 
Soroptimist International of Vacaville recognizes the many challenges women-owned businesses face and wants to help with a little extra encouragement: A “Women Investing in Women” business grant.
 
“This is a one-time award that we’ve dreamed up, to help a local woman in business continue to make their business dreams come true,” said chairwoman Lisa Hilas.
 
Nominations will open in 2021. To qualify, the business must be owned by a woman and must be in Vacaville, or operated by a woman who lives in Vacaville The winner will receive:

• A business grant – to be used on supporting their business.
• Advertising on SI Vacaville’s website and in social media, related to the award.
• A one-year membership in SI Vacaville, offering networking and support opportunities.

 
A Giving Tuesday campaign kicked off the fundraising for the grant. Donations are still being accepted, and businesses are invited to help with a sponsorship.
 
“Your donation will help us support a woman-owned business right here in Vacaville,” said Lisa. “You can make a woman’s business dreams come true with your contribution or sponsorship.”
 
To donate, visit https://givebutter.com/investinginwomen or text Best4women to 2028581233. For more information about SI Vacaville, to nominate a woman owned business go to www.vacavillesoroptimist.org/soroptimist-means-business.html

Vacaville girls between the ages of 14 and 18 have until Dec. 1 to apply for the Violet Richardson Award, which recognizes young women for outstanding community service. Soroptimist International of Vacaville, an international volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, will present up to $1,500 to a winner and up to $1,500 to the charity of the winner’s choice next spring.


             “It’s what you do . . .
              . . . that counts.”

The Violet Richardson Award honors young women, between the ages of 14 and 18, for volunteer action such as helping disadvantaged people; fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty.

The award program is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It’s what you do that counts.” She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women.

Applications for the award program are available online at vacavillesoroptimist.org [vacavillesoroptimist.org]. Just click on “Apply” or contact Susan Mays at smays-soropt@att.net.