It’s International Women’s Day, and I want to give a shout-out to Greensboro’s independent women business owners. The proliferation of small, women-owned businesses in the neighborhoods of Greensboro…particularly in downtown, has been fascinating to witness.

The downtown Greensboro gift shops, clothing stores, marketing firms, vintage stores, restaurants, spas, wellness businesses, interior design firms, and wine shops seem more often than not to have women as proprietors and owners. And these women are out there doing what it takes to succeed: surviving without large marketing budgets, using multi channels for selling their products, and working with the city and relevant agencies on issues like parking, panhandling, and an ordinance to address the poorly maintained buildings that discourage customers from coming downtown. For the most part, these women business owners are learning by experience and paving the way for those who will come along in the future.

I like to look at these women as pioneers, and yes, there have been decades of pioneers. The history of downtown Greensboro has plenty of examples of businesses that did not survive. Some of my personal favorites did not overcome challenges like finding investors, like outlasting lethargic economic conditions, and finally, like surviving the dog eat dog world of commercial real estate developers and owners. These difficulties exist for all independent business owners…but particularly for women and minorities.

Recent local support has come in the form of organizations like Downtown Greensboro, Inc., the City of Greensboro Economic Development and Business Support and MWBE offices, Greensboro City Council, Triad Local First, and the Downtown Residents Association. Foot traffic has increased. Tourism has increased. Companies have located in downtown office space. Whole blocks have opened up for more commerce, tourism, and leisure activities.

When the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts opens later this month, the small businesses downtown will share the spotlight. The new hotels will also be drawing interest to these city blocks. There are other galvanizing projects in the books and on the works. But in the end, the secret to success will be you and me…and our efforts to be regular patrons of these small and mighty businesses.

The stories of pioneer women business owners will make you want to meet them and support what they are doing. Join me this month as I highlight the women owned businesses in downtown Greensboro and the other neighborhoods in our community. And then defy the rain, the viruses and the inertia that will try to keep you away.