Celebrating Our She-E-O’s: Women-Owned Businesses Inspire and Invigorate Liberty Hill

Did you know that 40% of businesses in the United States are women-owned? Or that they contribute over $2.7 trillion to the nation’s economy every year?

America’s She-E-O’s are a major economic force that also employs millions of workers.

From entrepreneurs to “sidepreneurs,” the number of women-owned businesses continues to skyrocket; a testament to a desire to pursue their passions and make a difference in communities across the country, including ours.

The Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation (LHEDC) and the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce (LHCC) are honored to support this growing, ever-inspiring community of She-E-O’s as we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month.

A Network of Support

Take a scroll through the LHEDC’s Business Directory and you’ll find that many of our local businesses are women-owned. They’re also well supported through a variety of ongoing programs and resources. One of which is the LHCC’s monthly Women in Business (WIB) networking event.

“Ten years ago, a group of women (board members, boutique owners, and realtors) decided to start having a monthly networking luncheon. Some of the women could not always attend the luncheon, so once a quarter, it is an evening event. This would be a way for them to network and meet other women business owners in the community,” said LHCC executive director Kelly Michael.

Topics run the gamut from programs designed to sharpen operating skills to being mindful of the simple joys that encourage rest and reinvigoration. Kristan LeBaron of The LeBaron Agency was the highlight of September’s luncheon, sharing a treasure trove of tips on how to grow a business as she reflected on her twenty years of advertising experience.

“We cover self-care, marketing, how to use Canva, SEO, financial, bookkeeping, and balancing work with home. Every year, we ask the ladies what topics they would like discussed for the next year. The quarterly evening WIB is a little more laid back; we have taken a yoga class, made flower arrangements, and even had a wine and cheese pairing,” said Michael.

Earlier this year, the LHCC teamed up with all the Chambers in Williamson County to host the first Women of Wilco Awards Luncheon, an event spearheaded by the Leander Chamber.

“Each chamber gets the community to nominate a woman who represents their area, not just as a business owner, but also someone who is involved in the community. The winners are announced at the luncheon. This past March, we had over 400 people cheering on these women and hearing their amazing stories. The next one will be March 6, 2025,” said Michael.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities 

Over the past few decades, the number of women-owned businesses has been on an upward tick. The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that over 12 million women are at the helm of businesses, employing over 10 million Americans.

And while the strides they’re making across multiple industries are remarkable, they still face significant challenges.

“Several issues come to mind: gender bias, inequities in pay and funding, and the lack of women in male-dominated industries,” said Michael.

Both organizations work diligently to turn those challenges into opportunities.

The LHEDC provides ongoing assistance to business owners through financial incentives and a variety of resources. In March, it also hosted entrepreneurship courses designed to help high school students better understand the ins and outs of business and how to create one from the ground up.

Supporting female entrepreneurs is also a top priority for the LHCC.

“We have a remarkable group of women who really want to help other women. At the end of each luncheon, they have the opportunity to ask questions. The ladies will share what has worked for them or not worked, and offer to meet up for coffee to discuss whatever they have questions about,” she added.

Are you a female entrepreneur, sidepreneur, or just dreaming of owning your own business? Mark your calendars for November’s WIB Luncheon, where we’ll be focused on Goal Setting and Vision Boards!