National Business Women’s Week: October 15th – October 21st

Women in the United States continue to make significant strides in business and other aspects of American life.

According to the Census Bureau, as of 2019, there were over 13 million women-owned firms in the US, employing approximately 9 million people and generating $1.8 trillion in sales.

National Business Women’s Week played a pivotal role in this growth.

“For nearly a century now, National Business Women’s Week has helped to promote leadership roles for women and grow opportunities for personal and professional growth,” says Daniel Lerner, Executive Vice President of Investment Services at David Lerner Associates, Inc.

“It’s vital to make an effort in the third full week in October to acknowledge the contributions the fastest growing entrepreneurial demographic has made to the world of business.”

When is National Business Women’s Week 2023?

National Business Women’s Week (NBWW) in 2023 will be celebrated from October 15th to October 21st. During this week, we’ll honor and recognize the incredible achievements, contributions, and resilience of women in the business world.

History of National Business Women’s Week

National Business Women’s Week has a rich history dating back to the 1920s.

It originated during a time when women were steadily making strides in the business arena yet still faced significant gender-based barriers. The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC), a prominent women’s organization, through its president, Lean Madesin Phillips, spearheaded the establishing this important observance.

In 1928, President Herbert Hoover declared a special day to celebrate the accomplishments of working women.

Over time, this single day of recognition was expanded into an entire week, officially becoming National Business Women’s Week.

The week’s primary goal is to raise awareness of the challenges women encounter in the business world and to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the workforce. NBWW also provides a platform to advocate for gender equality in the workplace and motivate the next generation of women leaders.

Who Gets Involved in National Business Women’s Week?

National Business Women’s Week is a nationwide celebration that involves a diverse range of participants, including:

• Business and Professional Women – Members of the NFBPWC and other business and professional women’s organizations actively engage in NBWW activities. They often organize events, seminars, and workshops to empower women in their communities.
• Corporations and Employers – Many companies and organizations recognize NBWW by highlighting the achievements of their female employees, promoting gender diversity, and offering professional development opportunities.
• Educational Institutions – Schools and universities often host events during NBWW to inspire young women to pursue careers in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
• Government Entities – Various levels of government, from local to federal, may officially recognize NBWW and support initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality in the workplace.
• Community Groups – Local community groups and women’s organizations frequently participate by organizing discussions, networking events, and mentoring programs.

National Business Women’s Week Participation Ideas

Participating in National Business Women’s Week is a wonderful way to honor and empower women in the business world.

Here are some ideas to get involved:

1. Join an Organization or Professional Women’s Association – The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) are just two examples of associations that offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and support for women in business.
2. Host Empowerment Workshops – Women have the power to open doors for other women. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high-flying CEO or a part-time small business owner; your voice could make a difference in someone else’s career and/or life. Organize workshops that focus on skill development, leadership, and entrepreneurship for women in your community.
3. Networking Events – Networking has always been the backbone of business. Arrange networking events where businesswomen can connect, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships.
4. Mentorship Programs – You may doubt you’re advanced enough in your career to be a mentor, but there’s always going to be somebody a step behind you. Create mentorship opportunities for young women aspiring to enter the business world.
5. Educational Seminars – Offer seminars on topics like financial literacy, career advancement, and work-life balance. Raise awareness of resources available for women in your community.
6. Recognition Awards – Recognize and celebrate outstanding women in your organization or community with awards or honors.
7. Advocacy Initiatives – Advocate for gender equality and women’s rights in the workplace by partnering with organizations dedicated to these causes.
8. Social Media Campaigns – Use various social media platforms to raise awareness about NBWW, share inspirational stories, and promote gender diversity. Use the hashtag #BusinessWomen’sWeek or #NBWW.
9. Support Women-Owned Businesses – It’s difficult to support the working women and women-owned businesses in your neighborhood when you know nothing about them. Take this time to learn about women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses in your area and support them during NBWW and throughout the year.

Conclusion

Women-owned businesses’ contributions to the American economy cannot go unnoticed.

National Business Women’s Week is a time to celebrate the achievements of women in business and to inspire positive change.

By actively participating in this observance, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for women in the workforce.

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.