ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting a business can be challenging, but for many women in Central Florida, support from other entrepreneurs is helping them succeed.

What You Need To Know

A local bakery owner shares her journey from food truck to storefront

NAWBO Orlando supports women at every stage of business

Networking events help women connect and share resources

Leaders say women still face challenges like funding and pay disparity

At The Naked Cupcake in Orlando, owner Sandra Shorter has turned her passion for baking into a thriving business. But her journey didn’t start in a storefront.

“I started as a food truck. I was a teacher for 13 years, and decided that it was time for a new chapter,” Shorter said.

After traveling across Central Florida with her cupcake truck for several years, she eventually opened her brick-and-mortar shop, where she now creates custom desserts and connects with customers daily.

Shorter says running a business comes with a learning curve, especially in the beginning.

“I had to go find and seek coaches and mentors,” she said.

That kind of support is something organizations like the National Association of Women Business Owners, or NAWBO, aim to provide.

At the National Entrepreneur Center, dozens of women gathered for NAWBO Orlando’s “Wine, Women and Chocolate” event — a networking opportunity for business owners to connect and grow.

“We are here to support women business owners at every stage of business, from beginning all the way to multi-million dollar businesses,” said Karen Kurta, president of NAWBO Orlando.

Kurta says the organization offers mentorship, education and advocacy, helping women navigate challenges they may still face in the business world.

“There’s still challenges getting approved for money, for capital, for starting businesses. There’s still boys clubs and there’s still a pay disparity,” Kurta said.

For Shorter, building connections with other women has made a difference in her journey.

“It’s so important to support each other because the world is not necessarily geared towards us,” she said.

During Women’s History Month, both women say it’s important to recognize how far women entrepreneurs have come and to continue creating opportunities for future business owners.