Business Women’s Day

National Business Women’s Day is celebrated every year on September 22 to recognize that women can achieve just as much as men in business—sometimes even more. The business world did not always acknowledge women’s contributions, but today the American Business Women’s Association actively works toward gender equality in business.

History

Today, nearly 7 million women are officially employed in the United States, and almost 8 million more are business owners. This progress was made possible by the efforts of four women who established the American Business Women’s Association at a time when women could not even work full-time. The organization was registered on September 22, 1949, with a mission to provide women equal rights in work and business. The Association has united women entrepreneurs from many fields, helping them share experiences and support one another.

Interesting Facts

• Women are statistically several times less likely to receive business funding than men. More than half of the women in America’s list of 100 richest women built their businesses from scratch.
• Today, there are around 9 million registered companies in the United States owned by women—about 40% of all American businesses—with a total profit of more than $1.7 trillion.
• Economists note that companies run by women are vital to the American economy.
• Businesswomen report much higher happiness levels than women who do not own their own businesses.

How to Take Part

Support women entrepreneurs you know by offering encouragement, purchasing their products, and providing any help you can. If you have considered starting your own business, let this holiday be your inspiration. Read more about successful businesswomen and their achievements, and share their stories online. If you are a businesswoman, share your journey—your story could inspire someone else to take the first step toward success.

When is National Business Women’s Day in 2025?

National Business Women’s Day is observed on September 22 each year.

Observations