October is National Small Women’s Business Month—a time to recognize and support the incredible contributions of women business owners. Not sure how to do that? There are plenty of ways to celebrate local female small business owners in your area.
Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur or an avid supporter of women-led ventures, here are seven ways to join the celebration this month.
The Importance of Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs
In 2023, women-owned small businesses made up nearly 40% of all businesses in the country – and the growth since the pandemic has been incredible. This isn’t just a sign of how strong these businesses are, it’s also a reflection of how the economy is becoming more diverse and inclusive.
Women’s entrepreneurial success is a major driver of the economy, sparking innovation, creating jobs, and fueling growth. For years, women have fought for equality in the workplace, breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings.
When we empower women to lead and succeed in business, we’re not just strengthening communities – we’re also paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs. Celebrating their success is key to driving economic growth, creating a brighter future, and inspiring more women to follow in their footsteps.
How to Celebrate National Small Women’s Business Month
Here are my seven ways to celebrate and support women small business owners:
- Leverage SBA Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
- Apply for Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Support Other Women-Owned Businesses
- Join Women-Focused Networking Groups
- Participate in Educational Workshops
- Get Certified as a Women-Owned Business
- Share Your Story
1. Leverage SBA Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a wide range of programs specifically designed to help women start, grow, and sustain their businesses. For instance, the Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) provide training, mentoring, and access to capital across the country. These resources can help you refine your business strategies, whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out.
Helpful Link: Find a Women’s Business Center near you.
2. Apply for Grants and Funding Opportunities
There are many grants available for women-owned businesses, both on a national and state level. The Amber Grant awards $10,000 to a woman-owned business every month, and the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program offers a variety of funding and mentoring resources. Opportunities for grants targeting minority women and women of color are also available. These grants can provide the financial boost and guidance you need to take your business to the next level.
In Massachusetts, programs like the Express Grant Program offer training reimbursement for small businesses, including women-owned companies, making it easier to upskill your team or improve your operations. Specialty programs are available on Marketing Plans, Digital PR for Small Business, Prospecting with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Advanced SEO tactics, and more to scale growth and visibility.
Massachusetts Highlight: The Express Grant Program provides up to 100% reimbursement for employee training costs and is a great resource for women-led businesses in the state. There’s no cost or risk to apply, and it takes under thirty minutes to submit paperwork online.
To determine eligibility and for one-on-one help to apply, complete this form.
3. Support Other Women-Owned Businesses
Another meaningful way to celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month is by supporting or partnering with women-owned businesses. Whether it’s your favorite local boutique or a highly recommended service provider you’ve discovered, your spending directly impacts women entrepreneurs.
If you’re watching your budget or saving up for a new website, consider collaborating with fellow female founders. You could co-host events, refer clients to one another, or create a LinkedIn shout-out group to boost visibility.
Support the professional women in your network by attending their webinars to learn new skills, teaming up to volunteer for a cause you both care about, or offering support to a woman business leader who might be facing challenges or be on the verge of a big win.
Idea to think about: Look for the Women-Owned label or search directories like the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) to find verified women-owned businesses. Check out membership while you’re there.
4. Join Women-Focused Networking Groups
Networking is also a powerful tool for business growth, and there are numerous women-focused networking groups that can help you connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Organizations like NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and ProVisors Women offer platforms to build relationships, exchange ideas, and seek guidance from seasoned professionals.
These groups provide a safe space to share your challenges and get advice from those who’ve been in your shoes. By attending conferences, webinars, and local meetups, you can expand your network while supporting other women—and even uncover potential collaborations that can drive growth and new friendships.
Something to consider: Even if you’re not big on traditional networking events, commit to attending one or two virtually to get a feel for it—connecting from your own space can take the pressure off.
5. Participate in Educational Workshops
October is the perfect time to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge. With so many conferences happening in the fall, this may be an ideal moment to step up your game.
During National Small Women’s Business Month, a variety of organizations offer complimentary or discounted workshops specifically for women entrepreneurs. These workshops cover everything from business management and digital marketing to leadership development and financial planning. It’s a great way to refresh your skills or even dive into new areas that could give your business a competitive edge.
When you take advantage of these learning opportunities you boost your business acumen—and set yourself up for long-term success. And as you invest in your growth, you’re investing in your future; (a wise female financial advisor told me that years ago). Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of feeling more confident in their abilities? Attending events is also a clever way to network with other women in business, so you might just make a few new connections while you’re at it.
Pro Tip: Bookmark a couple of workshops this month and challenge yourself to attend at least one. Think of it as a gift to your future self—and your business!
6. Become a Certified Women-Owned Small Business
Another way to celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month is to become a certified Women-Owned Small Business.
If you’re a female entrepreneur, it’s worth considering getting certified as a woman-owned business. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program gives women business owners a fair opportunity to compete for government contracts. This program is designed to level the playing field by setting aside certain contracts exclusively for businesses that participate in the WOSB Federal Contract program, helping you gain a competitive edge.
Helpful Link: How to Become a Certified WOSB
7. Share Your Entrepreneurship Story
Celebrating National Small Women’s Business Month isn’t just about recognition—it’s about inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Share your business journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the successes you’ve celebrated. Whether you write a blog, post on social media, or speak at local events, your story can motivate and empower others to follow in your footsteps.
This year, I’m celebrating 25 years as a Marketing and PR consultant. To mark the occasion and my entrepreneurial journey, we created a year-long social media campaign, 25 Lessons in 25 Years, to honor that accomplishment. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and motivates me to help others avoid the mistakes I made along the way.
Call to Action: Share your journey using the hashtag #WomensSmallBusinessMonth or #WomenSupportingWomen and encourage others to celebrate the contributions of women business owners. What insights have you learned? What valuable content have you created that showcases your expertise and benefits others?
If you’re in growth mode, take a look at one of my small business marketing cheat sheets: 41 Cost-Effective Marketing Tips. Coupled with The Ultimate PR Planning Template, you’ll be able to increase sales, build brand recognition and gain a ton of press (and valuable backlinks).
It’s Time to Celebrate Your Business Journey
National Small Women’s Business Month is a great time to reflect on the progress you – and women like you around the globe – have made in business, while also supporting their continued success. Whether it’s through grants, donating to women entrepreneurs in developing economies, networking, or simply shopping women-owned, there are endless opportunities to uplift and contribute to the success of women-led businesses.
If you’re ready to grow your business, discover grants and resources, and uncover new networking opportunities, let’s have a conversation. In fact, let’s shake up your marketing. You don’t have to wait for 2025 Marketing Trends. Stay ahead of the game right now.
Robin Samora is a Boston-based marketing and PR expert. Her small business marketing and Digital PR training help women-owned businesses stand out, build credibility, and attract the recognition they deserve.
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