How to Build a Support System as a Female Business Owner

Being a business owner is often painted as a glamorous journey filled with freedom, creativity, and financial success. But what doesn’t always get highlighted is how isolating and overwhelming it can feel, especially for women in business. Whether you’re a solo founder, part of a small team, or juggling entrepreneurship with family life, building a strong support system is not just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a necessity.

At Co-Women, we believe in the power of community and connection. Here's how you can start building the support system that helps you grow your business and thrive as a person.

1. Start With Like-Minded Business Networking

Forget the stiff business card swaps and awkward coffee mornings. Real business networking happens when women come together with shared values and goals. Look for spaces—online and in person—where the focus is on authenticity, collaboration, and support over competition.

Communities like Co-Women are designed for exactly this. Whether you’re looking for feedback, a sounding board, or just someone who gets what it’s like to run a business, business networking with the right people can make all the difference.

2. Build Your Personal Board of Advisors

Think of this as your inner circle—women you trust to give you honest advice and cheer you on when imposter syndrome kicks in. They might not be on your payroll, but their insights are priceless.

Your personal board could include:

• A fellow business owner who’s a few steps ahead of you

• A friend who keeps you grounded

• A mentor who challenges you

• A peer who’s always up for a midweek coffee and brainstorm

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or open up about the tougher parts of business ownership. Vulnerability invites connection.

3. Create Routine Points of Connection

Support doesn’t always have to come from big, structured programmes. Sometimes, the most powerful moments come from consistency. Whether it’s weekly co-working sessions, monthly meet-ups like Chai & Chatter, or dropping a quick voice note to your business bestie—it all adds up.

Schedule time to connect with your support network the same way you would a client meeting or sales call. It’s an investment in your wellbeing and your business.

4. Diversify Your Support

Support can take many forms—emotional, strategic, financial, practical. You might need a bookkeeper just as much as you need a coach. Don’t overlook the power of:

• Online communities

• Accountability groups

• Female-led masterminds

• Therapist or wellbeing support

• Co-working spaces with a strong community ethos

At Co-Women, we champion all of this. We believe that women in business deserve well-rounded support—one that nurtures both your ambition and your humanity.

5. Make It Mutual

The strongest support systems are built on reciprocity. Be as generous as you are open to receiving. Celebrate others’ wins, recommend their businesses, show up to their launches, and send that encouraging message when you sense someone needs it.

When you uplift others, you cultivate a network that will be there to uplift you too.

Where to Go From Here

If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing this alone, it’s time to change that. Whether you're just starting out or scaling something big, there’s space for you in communities that see you, support you, and celebrate your success.

Co-Women is more than a business network—it’s a movement of ambitious, supportive women in business who believe in doing it together. Explore our membership options or join us at an upcoming event and start building the support system that will carry you forward.