Empowering Women By Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

With March being Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day having just passed, celebrating the achievements of women is of particular importance this month. As the mother of a young, impressionable girl, highlighting the strength of women is something I’m always seeking. It’s important that she sees good role models and learn of inspiring stories, all to empower her own journey as a young lady.

To celebrate Women’s History Month and continue the efforts of their global Women’s Economic Empowerment initiative, Walmart is highlighting items manufactured by women-owned companies in stores and on Walmart.com. After all, women-owned businesses contribute over $1.3 trillion to the US economy! How’s that for financial power? Read on to learn more about Walmart’s initiative and for details on how you can support women-owned businesses this Women’s History Month and beyond!

Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative

In an effort to improve the lives of women around the world, Walmart launched a global Women’s Economic Empowerment initiative three years ago. Part of that commitment is to source $20 billion from women-owned companies by their 2017 fiscal year. Other goals include training women and promoting diversity and inclusion with suppliers.

Women-Owned Products and Businesses at Walmart

This Women’s History Month, Walmart is highlighting six different products in stores that are manufactured by women-owned companies. However, there are more than 10,000 items available on Walmart.com and in stores that are women-owned! Check out the six items being featured this month:

1. Milo’s Sweet Tea: Made with natural ingredients, Milo’s Sweet Tea is a signature item of Milo’s Tea, Inc., a family-owned business with a story that begins during the Great Depression. As CEO of the company, Tricia Wallwork continues the work of her grandfather to this day.
2. Budget Saver Popsicles: These icy pops are made by Ziegenfelder Company, of which Lisa Allen is the President and CEO.
3. CLR: Manufactured by Jelmar LLC., a third-generation family business, CLR is an environmentally-friendly household cleaning product. Jelmar LLC. is run by Alison Gutterman, its President and CEO.
4. Smart & Sexy Bra: The Smart & Sexy bra is part of a line of intimate apparel manufactured by Ariela and Associates. CEO and President, Ariela Balk, founded the company over 20 years ago with just $15,000!
5. Carter’s Infant Shoes: These cute baby shoes are the product of a licensed partnership between Goldbug and Carter’s. Founded in 1968 by Bill Gold, Goldbug is now owned and operated by his daughter, Katherine Gold, the company’s Co-President and CEO.
6. Hefty Trashcan: The Hefty brand joined HMS Mfg. Co., a design, engineering, and manufacturing women-owned business, in 2009. Co-founded in 1987 by Janet Sofy, HMS Mfg. Co. now has her as its President and Chairman of the Board.

It’ great to see such inspiring stories of women in business that I can share with my daughter. As a business owner myself, my daughter sees that women can make opportunities for themselves. I encourage you to visit your local Walmart store and browse the women-owned products available on Walmart.com to support women-owned businesses. By supporting women-owned businesses this Women’s History Month (and always), you help empower a future generation.

How are you empowering future generations of women leaders?

Photos courtesy of Walmart