October is National Women's Business Month

The City of Cambridge will celebrate National Women’s Business Month during October to recognize the importance of women-owned businesses and highlight the women entrepreneurs who contribute so much to  the local Cambridge economy.

National Women’s Business Month commemorates the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, which authorized the federal government to issue loans to businesses controlled by women. Before then, many states required a male co-signer for women to access capital via a business loan.  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that women-owned businesses represent over 40% of all U.S. businesses and there are over 13 million women-owned businesses and counting.

In Cambridge, we will celebrate Women’s Business Month with a series of City-sponsored events, workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities will be held throughout the month. All events are free to Cambridge residents and business owners.  Everyone is encouraged to join the celebration by supporting Cambridge women-owned businesses and other entrepreneurs during the month of October and beyond. To find women-owned businesses in your neighborhood, visit the online Cambridge Business Diversity Directory.

Schedule of Events

The following events are free and open to all. Some events are hosted by the City of Cambridge and some are hosted by area non-profits or private businesses. Additional events will be added throughout the month. To add your event or to inquire about other Women’s Business Month activities please contact Christina DiLisio, Economic Development Specialist, at cdilisio@cambridgema.gov.

City of Cambridge Women’s Business Month Kick-Off Event

Date: Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate the start of Women’s Business Month with light fare and drinks, networking, and a sweet surprise treat at Momma’s Grocery + Wine.

Momma’s Grocery + Wine is a neighborhood spot recently opened in the North Mass Ave area of Cambridge. Owner Danielle Pattavina sources seasonal, environmentally conscious, and minimally packaged produce and products from local New England vendors. The store also features low-intervention wine from around the world, even New England. Come see why Momma’s is making a business out of celebrating “food, eating, gathering + those who make it”.  

Location: Momma’s Grocery + Wine, 2304 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA.

Registration: Registration is required.

Cambridge Women’s Commission “Mapping Feminist Cambridge” Walking Tours  

Date: Sunday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Central Square)

Date: Thursday, October 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Inman Square)

Come learn about Cambridge’s history of feminist businesses and organizations from the 1970s-1990s!

Registration: Register online. Consult the Women’s Commission website for additional information.

Cambridge Local First (CLF) Cambridge Network of Women Craft Night Event

Date: Wednesday, October 25, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Stuck in a rut? Need a boost? Get creative! Cambridge Local First is hosting a craft night and talking about getting out of our usual routines. We’ll be flexing creative muscles as a great way to not only release stress and have fun but work on creative problem solving in life and business. Alex Adamo from Alex Makes Art will lead our community craft projects. Refreshments will be provided by Basil Tree Catering.

Location: Albertine Press, 1309 Cambridge Street, Cambridge MA. 

Registration: Registration is suggested