American Business Women’s Day

Categories:: Appreciation
Tags:: Career Women Work
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 22
Holiday emoji:: 👩‍💼

American Business Women’s Day celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the workforce every September 22. This day recognizes their leadership, innovation, and dedication across all industries. Take time to uplift a woman entrepreneur, mentor an aspiring professional, or advocate for workplace equality.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe
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History of American Business Women’s Day

Women play vital roles in anything and everything in society, and that includes business as well. With more than 68 million working women, and 7.7 million women business owners in America today, it is a blessing that Kansas City businessman Hilary Bufton Jr. sat down in a coffee shop with Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, and Frances Stuckey many years ago and founded the American Business Women’s Association, at a time when it was considered socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career.

This association was incorporated on September 22, 1949, shortly after WWII when many women had lost their jobs and were reminded that their first responsibility was to their home and their family. Bufton Jr. felt that all women were seeking and deserved equal business opportunities, and, through necessity, had gained tremendous business knowledge during World War II. He also believed that a new organization for all businesswomen was needed.

The mission of the association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally. It is passionate about breaking boundaries for women and advocating for equal rights and pay across all facets of work.

American Business Women’s Day was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation was issued by President Ronald Reagan. It honors the increasing role that women have to play in the world of business today, as well as the accomplishments of businesswomen across the nation and the world at large.

American Business Women’s Day timeline

1941

Women are Called to Work

The Government Minister for Labor declares that one million wives are wanted for war work and, later that year, women are conscripted.

1949

The Foundation

Hilary Bufton Jr, Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, and Frances Stuckey form the American Business Women’s Association.

1982

First Sponsorship

The American Business Women’s Association has its first sponsored American Business Women’s Day.

1983

Official Recognition

American Business Women's Day is recognized for the first time by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan.

American Business Women’s Day FAQs

When is American Business Women’s Day?

American Business Women’s Day 2026 falls on a Tuesday, September 22. It’s a prime opportunity to recognize and celebrate the professional achievements of women across all sectors.

How many women-owned businesses are there in the U.S.?

According to the 2023 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report by American Express, there are approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. They employ nearly 9.4 million people and generate $2.5 trillion in revenue.

What is the American Business Women's Association (ABWA)?

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is a national organization founded in 1949. It provides businesswomen with opportunities for professional growth through education, networking, leadership development, and national recognition. It’s a key force behind the observance of this day.

Why is American Business Women's Day celebrated?

American Business Women’s Day is celebrated to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of women to businesses and the economy. It highlights their resilience, leadership, and the crucial role they play in driving innovation and growth across industries.

How to Celebrate American Business Women's Day

Support your local businesswomen
You do not need to know a businesswoman personally to offer your support. Start by supporting your local female business owner, promoting the inclusion and hiring of women at your workplace, or even giving a few words of encouragement to any businesswoman you come across.
Go for that job
Have you been having doubts about breaking into that male-dominated industry? Or just looking for an opportunity to do so? Whatever the case may be, this is your cosmic sign to go for that job role you’ve been skeptical about, or finally opening that small business.
Learn more and spread the word
Honor Business Women’s Day by learning more about some of the most successful and inspirational female entrepreneurs such as Oprah and Cher Wang. Go the extra mile by sharing whatever you learn, advocating for women’s rights in the workplace, or even giving a shout-out to any female professionals and business owners you know across your platforms. If you are a businesswoman, share your business style, strengths, and creativeness using the hashtag #AmericanBusinessWomensDay to post.

5 Facts About Business Women That Will Blow Your Mind

The richest ones founded their own companies
Women are about two times less likely than men to obtain capital financing for their businesses, and most of the female entrepreneurs who topped the “Forbes America’s 50 Richest Self Made Women” list created and founded their own companies.
Female owned businesses are highly profitable
With over 9 million women-owned companies, female-owned businesses in the United States have produced more than $1.7 trillion in profits.
Their businesses are vital to the economy
According to the Women Business Enterprise National Council, female entrepreneurs own 40% of all businesses in the U.S.
They are the happiest
Women entrepreneurs in the United States rank their happiness at nearly three times that of women who are not entrepreneurs or established business owners.
They are excellent leaders as well
According to a study conducted by the “Harvard Business Review,” women ranked higher on several major elements of leadership than their male counterparts.

Why We Love American Business Women’s Day

Women are more than capable
American Business Women’s Day shows that women are more than capable of doing whatever they set their mind to. This definitely applies to the business world as well.
Women are valuable pieces of the workforce
Women are breaking boundaries every day and staking their place as not just members, but also leaders of the workplace. Being responsible for a majority of America’s overall revenue, and a chunk of employment rate and profitable businesses, women have shown their value in the workforce, and this day showcases that.
It crowns the passionate efforts of women
It’s one thing to put in the effort at work, but another to be valued and appreciated for it. Everyone loves to be appreciated and American Business Women’s Day gives us room to appreciate our resilient businesswomen.