National Women Owned Business Day
National Women-Owned Business Day is a special annual observance dedicated to honoring the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women entrepreneurs. It aims to inspire communities to support and invest in women-owned businesses, while also encouraging women to dream big and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. This day highlights the unique challenges women face in business and celebrates their determination to overcome them.
Quick Facts
- When is it? The first Thursday in October each year.
- Tagged as: Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment, Business Celebration.
- What’s the hashtag? #WomenOwnedBizDay
- When was it founded? 2022
- Who founded it? Morgan Hamilton and Aris Taylor, co-founders of Sally On!
History of National Women-Owned Business Day
The day was established in 2022 by Morgan Hamilton and Aris Taylor, who sought to spotlight the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to funding and resources. Their goal was not only to celebrate the achievements of women-owned businesses but also to foster a supportive community that provides resources and investments for their growth. The founders believe that investing in women-owned brands leads to stronger communities and economic prosperity.
Timeline
- 1988: The Women’s Business Ownership Act was signed into law, eliminating discriminatory lending practices against women entrepreneurs.
- 2020: Only 2.3% of venture capital funding went to women-led startups, highlighting the need for greater investment in women-owned businesses.
- 2022: National Women-Owned Business Day was officially founded by Sally On!
- 2023: The day gained traction with nationwide celebrations spotlighting women entrepreneurs.
- 2024: Over 13 million women-owned businesses were reported in the U.S., employing millions and generating $1.8 trillion annually.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 2 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 7 | Thursday |
| 2028 | October 5 | Thursday |
| 2029 | October 4 | Thursday |
| 2030 | October 3 | Thursday |
Observed
National Women-Owned Business Day is celebrated through various activities:
- Promoting women-owned brands on social media using #WomenOwnedBizDay.
- Supporting these businesses by shopping or investing in them.
- Hosting networking events for women entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate.
- Sharing stories of successful women entrepreneurs to inspire others.
Fun Facts About Women-Owned Businesses
- Women own nearly 42% of all businesses in the U.S., generating $1.8 trillion annually.
- Black women are starting businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic group in the U.S.
- Companies with women in executive roles see a 34% higher return on investment for shareholders.
Quiz
- When is National Women-Owned Business Day celebrated?
- (a) First Thursday in October
- (b) March 8th
- (c) September 22nd
- Who founded National Women-Owned Business Day?
- (a) Wendy Diamond
- (b) Morgan Hamilton and Aris Taylor
- (c) Sally Ride
- What percentage of U.S. businesses are owned by women?
- (a) 25%
- (b) 42%
- (c) 50%
(Answers: 1-a, 2-b, 3-b)
FAQs
Q: Why was this day created?
A: To honor the achievements of women entrepreneurs and raise awareness about supporting their businesses.
Q: How can I celebrate this day?
A: Support a woman-owned business, share your favorite brands online, or attend a networking event for female entrepreneurs.
Q: Are there similar observances?
A: Yes! American Business Women’s Day (September 22) and National Women’s Small Business Month (October).
Related Observances
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- National Women’s Small Business Month (October)
- American Business Women’s Day (September 22)