By LESLIE BAILEY
Thanks to three pop culture icons, this summer has officially been dubbed #BillionGirlSummer. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and “Barbie” by way of Greta Gerwig’s latest film, have boosted the economy in tremendous ways, from Gerwig breaking box office history to Beyoncé fans affecting inflation in Sweden and the U.K. with her Renaissance tour. But it’s not just celebrities who are making moves; according to a recent report from U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, women are responsible for the creation of about half of the new businesses over the last three years, with businesses started and owned by women of color having one of the most significant impacts on the U.S. economy.
And yet, women, especially minority women, lack equitable access to capital and receive less in terms of government agency-backed loans. Many women are turning to membership-based communities, attending events, and joining coworking spaces like Maven Space to find connections, empowerment, and resources they need to succeed.
With women-owned small businesses employing almost 10 million people in the U.S., Indianapolis must take a greater interest in supporting organizations and spaces that provide the support needed for women of all backgrounds to participate in this growing economy. Here’s a snapshot of what’s necessary to move forward and why.
1. Nurturing Diversity and Inclusion:
Indianapolis boasts a diverse population, and an investment in spaces that are dedicated to women can provide a haven for individuals of various ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives. A safe environment is critical for women to connect, share ideas, network, break down barriers, and foster mutual understanding.
2. Fostering Entrepreneurship:
Female entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to drive economic growth and innovation. However, they often face unique challenges in accessing resources, networks, and mentorship. Women-centric spaces can help bridge this gap by offering tailored support, workshops, and networking opportunities that cater specifically to the needs of female entrepreneurs. By nurturing this ecosystem, Indianapolis can tap into a wellspring of untapped talent and foster an environment of economic resilience.
3. Overcoming Barriers:
Many women, particularly mothers, struggle to find a balance between their professional and personal lives. Spaces that offer on-site childcare facilities can address this challenge, enabling mothers to pursue their careers without sacrificing their family responsibilities. By breaking down these barriers, Indianapolis can empower more women to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
4. Empowering Collaboration:
Collaboration is a key driver of innovation, and coworking spaces, in particular, are uniquely positioned to facilitate this. By creating an environment where women from different industries can work side by side, the city can foster cross-pollination of ideas and skills. These interactions can lead to unexpected collaborations and innovative solutions to both local and global challenges.
5. Providing a Supportive Ecosystem:
Beyond physical space, female-centric hubs can offer valuable resources such as mentorship, digital connections, and virtual events tailored to the needs of those professionals. These resources can equip women with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the modern workplace, helping them reach their full potential.
6. Enhancing Work-Life Integration:
Work-life integration is increasingly becoming a priority for professionals. Spaces that emphasize holistic well-being and offer fitness facilities, meditation rooms, and wellness programs can help women strike a balance between their career aspirations and personal health. This approach not only benefits the individual but also contributes to a more productive and motivated workforce.
7. Amplifying Voices:
Women-centric coworking spaces can serve as platforms for women to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives. This fosters a sense of belonging, encourages authentic expression, and ultimately leads to greater representation of women’s voices in various sectors of the community.
Recently, Maven Space joined forces with coworking spaces P30 and The Speakeasy to partner with Indy Biz Pass to provide access to all three spaces for 100 Black founders. With the support of the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative and the Indianapolis Urban League and Innopower, our spaces have the ability to participate in such a program.
These spaces not only benefit the individuals who use them but also contribute to the overall growth and vibrancy of the city’s economy and culture.
As Indianapolis continues to evolve, embracing the concept of inclusive spaces where women can thrive is a step toward building a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous future for all.
