Soroptimist Means Business: Women Investing in Women

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