According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than nine million U.S. firms are now owned by women, employing nearly eight million people and generating almost $1.5 trillion in sales.

What's even more impressive is that these numbers are on the rise. Women see openings in the market, they enjoy lower start-up costs and access to capital has become easier. According to CNBC, women entrepreneurs are an economic force to be reckoned with in 2017.

However, this barrier-breaking shift doesn't mean entrepreneurship is ever easy.

As a mama of two toddlers and owner of two businesses, I'm becoming increasingly independent in my ability to make executive decisions, reach out to potential clients, and lead a team. But I've also recognized how much I rely on my husband's support.

When the leading lady in your own life starts her own business, she'll need your support in these five way:

1. See each other as partners

You co-own the future of your family, and when one spouse enters the waters of entrepreneurship, it's a shared (ad)venture for your home team. Recognize that both of your goals are important and realize that you may both need to adapt to a new routine and life. Seeing yourself as a partner in your wife's goals will help you two stay on the same page when it comes the changes you'll both encounter.

2. Serve as a sounding board

Your wife will have highs and lows on her entrepreneurial journey ... this rollercoaster can even all happen in single day. To help her out, just listen. Often, she just needs to be heard.

In a personal interview with Sarah Webb, president of Plaid for Women, she mentioned how helpful her husband is when he listens.

"My husband is also a business owner so he lets me vent on struggles of the business without always trying to fix my problem," said Webb, who is based in Fort Worth, Texas. "We do a good job bouncing ideas off each other."

3. Encourage her passions

Your wife's interests may be different than yours. Her business mission may not fire you up in the same way it does for her, but you can still encourage her to explore her passions.

Whether or not you're an ideal customer for her product or service, you've got a critical role as her cheerleader. Help her celebrate small victories, which lead to larger milestones.

4. Push her out of her comfort zone

She'll be stretching beyond what's comfortable on a regular basis. That's the nature of entrepreneurship, and she needs you to support her when she feels comfortable .. and when she needs to step out of her comfort zone.

Based in New York City, Angela Dwyer is a mother of two and founder of Elevate1850, a communication firm specializing in public relations and research.

"My husband supports me by sharing my energy and enthusiasm for my ideas. He gives me an emotional skyrocket boost to reach for the stars," said Dwyer. "When facing new business opportunities robed as challenges, like cold-calling a potential client or securing a new contract, he knows how to remind me that I've got it."

5. Share responsibilities at home

As your wife takes on the many roles of an entrepreneur, you may need to wear more hats in your household. Mutually support each other to take care of the daily necessities of caring for children, cooking, cleaning and those never-ending loads of laundry.

"Women need to communicate with their husbands and husbands can pick up on what is needed," said Pam Baumeister in a personal interview. The Utah-based artist and mom of four continues; "Talk together about goals, challenges, and the management of the home. It's vital to the success of the family."

With your encouragement, you just may be surprised at the ways your wife grows, contributes to the world and inspires your family. Be there to support her through it all, and see your relationship (and her dreams) flourish.

The post 5 ways a husband can support his wife when she starts a business appeared first on FamilyToday.

While dream vacations and life milestones are important, it's the simple things you do that make your wife happy. Show love and respect to your bride every day, and remind her why you were the best choice she's ever made. Here are 10 basic tips for showing every day love. Remember: Happy wife, happy life.

Introduce her with a compliment

Saying something like "I'd like you to meet my beautiful wife," or "Here's my better half" goes farther than you may realize. Publicly recognizing her as your cherished partner validates that you love her.

Embrace when you see her

At the end of a long day conquering office battles and keeping the kids from climbing walls, you could both use a loving hug. Make a point of showing you missed her and are glad to be reunited. A big kiss doesn't hurt, either.

Ask her how you can help

If this is a new one for you, she may think there's a catch. With a sincere willingness to give a helping hand, ask how you can lift her burden. This gesture applies to more than yard work, but being in tune with her needs emotionally and spiritually, as well. Sometimes she just needs a listening ear.

Let her pick the movie

Or, if you're playing games, let her choose. She needs to know her opinion counts in your marriage. Taking turns with these simple choices makes it easier to compromise on the bigger choices together.

Forgive her fast

She forgot to pack your lunch, or accidentally broke your TV remote. So, she's human, after all? With all that she does right, let it go when she makes mistakes. After all, you're no perfection yourself, cupcake!

Hold her hand in public

Some women are less inclined to public displays, but when appropriate, reach out and squeeze her hand. With the reassurance you're proud she's yours, she'll walk a little taller, and smile a little bigger.

Write her love letters

You don't have to be Shakespeare; the thought matters most here. Focus on specificthings you love about her; the wrinkle in her nose when she laughs or how she finds joy in the little things. You can hide it in her makeup bag, under her pillow, or somewhere else she'll discover it. She'll be happily surprised and treasure your words for years to come.

Open the door for her

Chivalry is not dead. Opening the door is a gentlemanly way to take care of your lady. She likely grew up wanting to be a princess. Be her prince.

Carve out time for consistent date night

In an on-the-go digital world, it's easy to get caught up in the minutia of kids, work, community, extended family and even church responsibilities. Set aside a weekly special night just for the two of you. It doesn't need to be costly or extravagant. Just make an effort to court her, as you did when you were dating.

Let her fly

As her partner, you are in the best position to help her reach her dreams.

The post 10 simple ways to make your wife happy appeared first on FamilyToday.

While dream vacations and life milestones are important, it's the simple things you do that make your wife happy. Show love and respect to your bride every day, and remind her why you were the best choice she's ever made. Here are 10 basic tips for showing every day love. Remember: Happy wife, happy life.

Introduce her with a compliment

Saying something like "I'd like you to meet my beautiful wife," or "Here's my better half" goes farther than you may realize. Publicly recognizing her as your cherished partner validates that you love her.

Embrace when you see her

At the end of a long day conquering office battles and keeping the kids from climbing walls, you could both use a loving hug. Make a point of showing you missed her and are glad to be reunited. A big kiss doesn't hurt, either.

Ask her how you can help

If this is a new one for you, she may think there's a catch. With a sincere willingness to give a helping hand, ask how you can lift her burden. This gesture applies to more than yard work, but being in tune with her needs emotionally and spiritually, as well. Sometimes she just needs a listening ear.

Let her pick the movie

Or, if you're playing games, let her choose. She needs to know her opinion counts in your marriage. Taking turns with these simple choices makes it easier to compromise on the bigger choices together.

Forgive her fast

She forgot to pack your lunch, or accidentally broke your TV remote. So, she's human, after all? With all that she does right, let it go when she makes mistakes. After all, you're no perfection yourself, cupcake!

Hold her hand in public

Some women are less inclined to public displays, but when appropriate, reach out and squeeze her hand. With the reassurance you're proud she's yours, she'll walk a little taller, and smile a little bigger.

Write her love letters

You don't have to be Shakespeare; the thought matters most here. Focus on specificthings you love about her; the wrinkle in her nose when she laughs or how she finds joy in the little things. You can hide it in her makeup bag, under her pillow, or somewhere else she'll discover it. She'll be happily surprised and treasure your words for years to come.

Open the door for her

Chivalry is not dead. Opening the door is a gentlemanly way to take care of your lady. She likely grew up wanting to be a princess. Be her prince.

Carve out time for consistent date night

In an on-the-go digital world, it's easy to get caught up in the minutia of kids, work, community, extended family and even church responsibilities. Set aside a weekly special night just for the two of you. It doesn't need to be costly or extravagant. Just make an effort to court her, as you did when you were dating.

Let her fly

As her partner, you are in the best position to help her reach her dreams.

The post 10 simple ways to make your wife happy appeared first on FamilyToday.