We’re looking for up-and-comer women entrepreneurs with bold visions and novel ventures. If that’s you, apply for a spot* on our 2026 Brilliant Business Ideas list.
Social Impact
Our ‘Ripple Effects’ Gift Guide: 15 Gifts That Give Back
Our 2025 holiday gift guide is about more than “stuff.” We selected social enterprises that make impactful products and charities that need support this season.
DEADLINE PASSED — Apply Today For Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: ‘Ripple Effects’
We’re looking for women-led nonprofits, social enterprises and purpose-driven brands. Sound like your work? Tell us more by Sunday, Oct 19!
Forbes’ New ‘50 Over 50’ List Shows How Powerful Older Women Are
The financial publication’s 2025 celebration of stand-out women ages 50 and over serves as a great reminder that new chapters and achievements can await us at any age.
Her New Line of Drinks Is Inspired By Nature
Dana Thompson, who built the celebrated Owamni restaurant, is now turning her attention to functional beverages. Her social-impact brand, Heti, also plans hempcrete housing.
Turns Out, Kerry Washington is an Angel (Investor)
The “Scandal” star is on a growing list of female celebrities who are putting their wealth into promising new women-led ventures.
Women Entrepreneurs: Did You Just Launch an Amazing Company?
Is your new business destined to take the world by storm – or perhaps even save it? Then apply for a spot on our 2025 Brilliant Business Ideas list! Deadline: April 1.
5 Short Documentaries About Women Entrepreneurs Taking Action
These short films (10 minutes or less) look at inspiring women leaders running startups and nonprofits that aim to make a difference.
Lending a Paw to Animal Rescues in Detroit
Temeria Heard is supporting shelters in her hometown through her apparel line, Swaggles.
Her Eco-Friendly Socks Are Thoughtful from Heel to Toe
Cindi Busenhart is the driving force behind MERGE4, a sock company that empowers small artists and gives back to good causes.
This Craft Coffee is For the Dog People
Morgan Szekely is the founder of Quirky Kin Co., a coffee subscription service that celebrates pups – and their pet parents.
She Created an Organic Sunscreen for Black and Brown Kids
Dalaise Hickey is the founder of BabyDonna, a company that makes vegan, ocean-friendly, mineral sunscreens for children with darker skin tones.
Her Snack Company Provides Opportunities to Folks With Autism
Jennifer Weise is the founder of Bee Free, a line of gluten-free granola snacks inspired by her son, who was diagnosed with the developmental disorder.
12 Women-Made Gifts Under $150 for ‘A More Beautiful World’
Looking for the perfect present? Shop small (and woman-owned!) this season with our handy holiday gift guide.
Dolly Parton Receives $100 Million From Jeff Bezos
The singer and philanthropist had a priceless reaction when she learned about the award, which she can direct toward any charitable cause she sees fit.
Solar Lantern Designer on Clinton Series ‘Gutsy’ Lights Way for Other Entrepreneurs
Alice Chun had a fortuitous meeting with Hillary Clinton in 2017 — and soon she’ll star in a new Apple TV+ series.
We’re Talking Beer (as an Agent of Social Change, Of Course)
We share the story of Jacquie Berglund of Finnegans, a craft beer brewing company whose motto is “Beer that gives back.”
She’s an Artist Selling NFTs to Raise Money for Good Causes
Erica Reiling wanted art on the blockchain to have social impact, so she created Crypto Venus as a Web3 brand with purpose.
She’s a Jam Maker Churning Out Untraditional Flavors
Julie Deck is the founder of Coo Moo Jams.
They Create Unique Travel Experiences For Women Across The Globe
Latifah and Tami Al-Hazza are the founders of Femscape Sojourns.
After Devastating Loss, She Found A Creative Way To Memorialize Her Family
Farah Ahamd is the founder of Sweet Root.
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5 Socially Conscious Women Entrepreneurs Under 30 to Watch
These young founders have their fingers on the pulse of what’s next.
Cover a PICC Line With a Cut-Off Sock? This Lyme Disease Survivor Had Other Plans
Emily Levy launched an adaptive wear company, Mighty Well, when she couldn’t find a sleeker way to conceal her treatment.
These 3 Women Show How to Be an Ally to People With Disabilities
In honor of Disability Pride Month, we spotlight female entrepreneurs whose products or services aim to improve lives.
A Pint of Ice Cream Can Help Fund Black and Brown Female Founders
Can ice cream taste like money? Coolhaus’s new “Currency Cake” flavor is a tasty treat for female founders.
17 Inspirational Women Whose Startup Stories Will Kickstart Your Dreams
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a list of inspirational women whose startup journeys and impactful works left a lasting mark on us.
She’s a Dog Lover Who Created a Device to Keep Pups Hydrated on Long Walks
Kerry Cooke is the creator of SPLEASH, a water carrying attachment for your dog’s leash.
She Built a Flourishing CBD Business During the Pandemic and The West Coast Wildfires
Lori Peck is the founder of CAASI a line of organic CBD infused products.
Our Favorite Stories of 2020, as Picked by The Story Exchange Staff
As we close out an annus horribilis, we look back on the stories that provided a much-needed distraction.
Remembering Those Who Served: 7 Companies Run By Female Veterans
This Veterans Day, celebrate the women who served our country. Here’s a list of female veterans who started their own businesses.
This Ed Tech Founder’s Mission: Know and Show Others That They’re ‘Not Alone’
Lisa Love’s firm, Tanoshi, aims to bridge racial, educational and digital divides for low-income kids.
She Built an Online Streaming Service That Promotes Social Impact Films
Scilla Andreen created IndieFlix to support films that create positive change in the world.
Would Jeff Bezos Donate More to Australia’s Relief Efforts if He Were a Woman?
The Amazon CEO’s contribution leaves something to be desired – namely, more money. We turn to women social entrepreneurs for reminders of what charitable giving can really look like.
Top 10 Videos About Women Entrepreneurs in 2019 – The Story Exchange
We round up our most popular videos of 2019. Many feature women who were driven by a cause or a mission to launch a social enterprise.
First She Founded Jumia. Now, Her VC Fund Aims to Invest $66 Million in African Women Entrepreneurs
Fatoumata Ba, the Senegalese founder of Janngo Capital, is now investing in other startups that are owned by or benefit women.
How This Founder Turned Outlandish Experiences Into a Successful Business Model
Jessica Resler, co-founder of The Participation Agency, has channeled her drive into a growing experiential marketing firm.
She’s Using Tech to Inspire Others to Give Back
Abby Frimpong created the social platform Duuple to inspire acts of giving amongst its users.
Hey Google: Look to Women for Your New ‘Social Impact’ Accelerator
The tech giant’s upcoming business accelerator will lift up startups designed to tackle sustainability. We’ve seen women entrepreneurs lead the way on this.
Top 10 Industries for U.S. Women Business Owners
What are women entrepreneurs passionate about? Take a look at which industries women are starting businesses in, and how they’re making an impact.
Meet the Plastics Engineer Who’s Raised $1 Million to Make Prosthetic Legs
Erin Keaney of Nonspec is on a mission to make prosthetics affordable around the world — and that means using medical-grade plastic.
MacKenzie Bezos Pledged Half Her Fortune to Charity Before Her Ex Did. We Weren’t Surprised
Following her divorce from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the author has vowed to donate at least half of her new $35 billion fortune to assorted charities as part of The Giving Pledge.
Donna Karan Opens Up About Fashion, Failure and the Force That Drives Her
During a recent conversation, the iconic fashion designer turned social entrepreneur urged women just starting out in business to tune in to their gifts and where they’re being guided.
They’re Taking the B.S. Out of Bra Shopping
Jenna Kerner and Jane Fisher launched Harper Wilde to support and empower women with well made reasonably priced bras
After Getting Laid Off, She Started Her Own Business With a Plan to Solve an Age-Old Baby Wardrobe Problem
Allison Childs says she has come up with a foolproof bootie that stay on your baby’s feet.
This Canadian Clothing Line Aims to Raise Awareness About Indigenous Suicide
S.H.B. Apparel, founded by Amanda Sanderson, wants to prevent indigenous suicide and is crowdfunding to get its first clothing line to the masses.
She Wanted to Make Her Mark on The World – Now She’s Helping Other Women do The Same
Neetu Sharma has trained over 700 female teachers across India.
5 Crowdfunders to Watch – Cultivating Heartfelt Projects
In this edition of our crowdfunding column, we’re spotlighting female founders who are fundraising for ventures and projects that are near and dear to their hearts.
Ep. 23: Community Housing
Angie Lozano started Angie’s House to give people in need a place to lay their head at night — and reminded us all that just one person can make a real difference.
5 Crowdfunders to Watch – Aiming High
The five women featured in our latest column have big fundraising goals, and even bigger aspirations for their ventures.
5 Crowdfunders to Watch – Bucking Industry Standards
Whether they started up in fashion, fitness, education or art, these fundraising women are trying to show their contemporaries newer, better ways of doing business.