The Federal Government.
With more than 100 resource centers nationwide, the Online Women Business Center’s network is an essential source of information for female entrepreneurs. The Center is part of the federal government’s Small Business Administration which, among its many objectives, promotes the growth of women-owned businesses by providing access to capital.

“The expertise at the centers will help train women in how to identify financial resources and develop a business plan that they can present to a bank in a compelling way,” says Hadary.

Networking.
Networking is vital for any woman entrepreneur seeking financing. The Financial Network for Women, with its team of female professionals dedicated to assisting women secure and manage wealth effectively, is a great place to start.

Be aware, too, of the dynamic and informal “angel investor” network. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital or cash to young, entrepreneurial companies—usually at an early stage—in return for a percentage of the company. One such example is Women Angels.net, an investment club designed to help women entrepreneurs in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“Many successful women are willing to be angels to aspiring women entrepreneurs,” says Hadary. Find angels by talking to your banker or local chamber of commerce; surfing the Internet; or joining women’s organizations, such as the American Business Women’s Association or NAWBO, which has an extensive list of forums that can be accessed by employee size, industry type or geographic location.