Lifting as We Climb: Supporting Women at Every Stage of Life
Written by Angela Carr Klitzsch, CEO of Women4Change Indiana
Women have always been trailblazers. Whether our grandmothers ran home-based businesses before they were recognized as "business owners," our mothers broke barriers in corporate leadership, or today’s young innovators launched startups from their kitchen tables, women have always found ways to build, create, and lead.
But here’s the truth: it’s still harder than it should be.
Even in 2025, women face greater challenges securing funding, growing their businesses, and breaking into leadership networks. Women receive only a fraction of venture capital funding. They juggle family responsibilities with business demands at disproportionate rates. And too often, they have to prove themselves over and over again in ways that their male counterparts simply do not.
So, what do we do? We lift as we climb.
Supporting women doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or investment meetings. It happens everywhere women are present—in our communities, workplaces, faith groups, schools, and social circles.
You have influence. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in women’s economic empowerment, your influence can change the trajectory of another woman’s journey. But it’s not enough to say you’re powerful. We here at Women4Change want to inspire you to use your magic. So, we’ve created a list of ways that you can lift women, beginning right now.
Buy from Women-Owned Businesses. 🛍️
It starts with our wallets. Every time we shop at a woman-owned business—whether it's a local boutique, a consulting firm, or a bakery—we invest in its success. Be intentional. Seek out businesses led by women, especially women of color, who face even greater barriers to success.
Make the Connection. 🤝
Who do you know that could help a woman grow? Mentorship, referrals, introductions—these are game-changers. If you meet a woman starting her career, building her network, or scaling her business, think about who in your network could provide insight, funding, or new opportunities. And if you’re in a leadership position, ask yourself: How can I bring more women to the table?
Amplify Their Voices. 🎤
Women need more than funding and mentorship—they need to be seen and heard. When a woman shares her business, reshare, tag, comment, and spread the word. Visibility leads to customers, partnerships, and growth—and, honestly, there’s no greater feeling than knowing someone is advocating for you when you can’t be present in the room.
Invest in Women. 💰
Women-led businesses are some of the smartest investments out there. Studies show they often outperform male-led startups. If you’re in a position to invest—whether as a mentor, lender, or angel investor—consider backing women entrepreneurs. And if you work at a company that supports small businesses, advocate for women-led ventures to get a seat at the table.
Be the Woman Who Makes a Difference. 🏆
Sometimes, all a woman needs is someone who believes in her. Be that person. Whether you offer encouragement, advice, or a simple “I see you, and you’re doing amazing things,” your words matter.
Women have always supported each other, whether in whispered advice across sewing circles, in boardrooms where one woman pulls up a chair for another, or in quiet moments when a mentor says, "Keep going; I’ve got you."
Economic equity isn’t just policy—it’s personal. It’s how we show up for each other in our places and spaces. It’s about making sure no woman has to climb alone.
So let’s lift. Let’s invest. Let’s champion.
Because when we support women entrepreneurs, we don’t just change their businesses—we change the world.