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In October, National Women’s Small Business Month highlights the benefits and industry women bring to communities when they own a small business. With over 11 million (and growing!) women owning small businesses in the United States, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Throughout the month, organizations, businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs share resources and advice that support women-owned businesses. Like any small business, the benefits to a community are enormous. Locally owned small businesses bring revenue to communities. Small companies are more likely to support local organizations, schools and projects. They also provide a tremendous number of jobs, keeping local economies going and growing.
When you include women in the small business factor, you increase business diversity. Did you know that 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color? Supporting women in small businesses also inspires young women in powerful ways. When they see other women succeeding, they’re motivated to succeed, too! In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.
Businesses owned by women come in all varieties, too. They pursue business in STEM fields, creative and consumer domains, and service-oriented professions. There’s really no limit to the opportunities available.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH HISTORY
Since 2012, the Small Business Administration has be been supporting National Women’s Small Business Month by promoting events, webinars and giving a voice to women business owners. Each year, the organization hosts a variety of events recognizing women in small businesses.
SUPPORT #WOMENSSMALLBUSINESSMONTH
Whether you own a small business or are considering starting one, there are several ways to participate all month long.
Attend or host an event. Whether it’s a seminar, webinar, interview or workshop, these events promote healthy small businesses. They provide a wealth of information all business owners need to know. These events also offer resources specific to women-owned enterprises.
Be a mentor to other women. If you’ve already overcome the stumbling blocks of ownership, you’re one of the most valuable resources available to beginning business owners. Your experiences not only help pave the way for others, but your insight brings clarity and confidence to others.
Sharpen your skills. Any business person knows that it’s vital to keep learning and discovering. Whether it’s a new technology, legislation, or financial news, the business world is always changing. It demands we stay focused and aware of the changing business world. Improving our skills also provides us with more opportunities. Whether driving business into new areas or changing direction, growing our tools help us create a brighter future for our businesses.
Join an organization. Numerous organizations around the country support small businesses. By networking with other like-minded women, you’re not only able to learn about growing your business but you can also share your experiences and be a voice for others. Some organizations you may find helpful include the National Association of Women Business Owners, your local Chamber of Commerce, and the American Business Women’s Association. If local organizations are lacking in your area, help start one. Bring a chapter to your community and let the leadership begin!
Discover other resources. For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration includes an Office of Women’s Business Ownership that serves not only as a guide, but advocates for women business owners, too.
Support a Woman-Owned Small Business. Explore your community and shop at women-owned small businesses.
One of the most significant ways you can celebrate is by share information on social media, including this article. Use #WomensSmallBusinessMonth to post on social media.
Polish American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. Across the globe, there are about 9.5 million Polish Americans. They represent about 3% of the American population. The first wave of millions of Poles migrated America between 1800 and 1860.
The second and third generations of Poles were born in America in the late 1900’s, and grew up as Americans with a touch of Polish heritage. The Polish have always held onto a fierce passion for their culture, their independence, and their new country.
POLISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY
Michael Blichasz, the President of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia, organized the first Polish American Heritage Month in 1981. It was celebrated in August. House Joint Resolution 577 passed in 1984, making August Polish American Heritage Month. In 1986 the observation was moved to October.
HOW TO OBSERVE POLISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Use #PolishAmericanHeritageMonth to post on social media. Consider having a real celebration with friends or family this year, especially if you even have a touch of Pole in your heritage. Here are some things you can do, Polish or not, to celebrate this month and learn some more about this culture.
Attend a Polish mass.
Learn some Polish dances (the polka is fun and very popular!)
Do some research about Polish literature and culture. Educating yourself on history always helps broaden your mind.
Find out if you have any Polish ancestors.
Cook! Try making some pierogi or kielbasa. You won’t be disappointed. (Also, October 8th is National Pierogi Day, so there’s an added incentive.)
As the vibrant greens of summer fade, October ushers in the heart of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The air turns crisp, the days shorten, and the landscape is set ablaze with brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring is in full swing, bringing warmer temperatures and blooming flowers.
Weather & Season
In the Northern Hemisphere, Autumn (Fall). Characterized by cooling temperatures, increasing rainfall, and the peak of fall foliage in many regions. Frost becomes more common towards the end of the month. In the Southern Hemisphere, Spring. Days continue to get warmer and longer. The weather is generally mild and unpredictable, often with a mix of sunny days and spring showers.
Embrace the fall spirit with seasonal pursuits like visiting pumpkin patches for carving and hayrides, apple picking at orchards, or hiking through colorful forests for foliage viewing. Halloween preparations ramp up with costume parties, haunted house visits, and trick-or-treating on the 31st. Other fun ideas include bonfires, corn mazes, and harvest festivals. For indoor vibes, dive into Oktoberfest celebrations (if extended) with beer and Bavarian eats, or attend cultural events like Diwali (late October) for lights and sweets. In cities, check out film festivals or art walks, and everywhere, it’s prime time for cozy reading or baking pumpkin spice treats.
Football (NFL): The heart of the NFL regular season. Races for playoff spots in both conferences begin to take shape. Basketball (NBA): NBA Preseason games are underway throughout the month, building excitement for the regular season tip-off in late October. Ice Hockey (NHL): The NHL regular season is in full swing, with teams establishing their early standings. Baseball (MLB): The MLB Postseason dominates the sports world, featuring the thrilling Wild Card games, League Division Series (ALDS/NLDS), and League Championship Series (ALCS/NLCS), all culminating in the World Series at the end of the month. Rugby: The conclusion of the Rugby World Cup 2025 in England. The final is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th.
October Birthdays
Zodiac Signs: Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22) and Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21). October Birthstones are Opal & Tourmaline. Opal is known for its unique play-of-color, symbolizing hope, innocence, and creativity. Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, representing compassion and healing. Flower: Marigold & Cosmos. The vibrant marigold is often associated with the sun, winning affection, and comfort. The cosmos represents peace, wholeness, and modesty.
Six US presidents were born in October, more than any other month.
Jimmy Carter
John Adams
Rutherford Hayes
Chester Arthur
Theodore Roosevelt
Dwight Eisenhower
Famous Birthdays (including my own…)
Julie Andrews Zach Galifianakis Kate Winslet Jesse Eisenberg Toni Braxton Simon Cowell Cardi B. Michelle Trachtenberg Usher Roger Moore John Mayer Angela Lansbury Kim Kardashian Carrie Fisher Jeff Goldblum Christopher Lloyd Ryan Reynolds Bill Gates Joaquin Phoenix Vanilla Ice Peter Jackson
History in October
October 4, 1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite. This event marked the beginning of the space age and triggered the Space Race between the USSR and the United States. October 29, 1929: Black Tuesday. The most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States, which catalyzed the onset of the Great Depression that affected the entire industrialized world.
How to Observe #OdeToOctober
Visit a pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkins for carving and pies. Go apple picking and enjoy fresh cider and apple cider donuts. Take a scenic drive or hike to enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. Attend a local harvest festival or Oktoberfest celebration. Get ready for Halloween by decorating your home, carving jack-o’-lanterns, and choosing a costume. Use #OdeToOctober to share on social media.
Each year on September 27th folks enjoy a tall, frosty glass to celebrate National Chocolate Milk Day.
In the late 1680s, an Irish-born physician by the name of Sir Hans Sloane invented the chocolatey beverage. When offered the position of personal physician to an English Duke in Jamaica, Sloane jumped at the opportunity. Jamaica interested the naturalist in him.
While in Jamaica, Sloane encountered a local beverage. The locals mixed cocoa and water together. However, when Sloane tasted it, he reported the flavor to be nauseating. After some experimentation, the doctor found a way to combine cocoa with milk. The creamy combination made it a more pleasant-tasting drink. Years later, Sloane returned to England with the chocolate recipe in hand. Initially, apothecaries introduced the concoction as a medicine.
Generations later, chocolate milk lovers enjoy their treat in a variety of ways. It can be purchased premixed by the jug or individual serving. For a custom mix, powders and syrups allow us to make it as chocolatey as we like at home.
When it comes to enjoying chocolate milk, there are so many ways to do it. Premix or powder? How about chocolate syrup? We can also choose from skim, 2% and whole milk. And don’t forget almond, cashew, coconut or oat milk. Which one mixes up the best chocolate milk?
Mix up some chocolate milk to drink. Invite a friend to enjoy the celebration with you. Besides, the best way to #CelebrateEveryDay is with others. Share your celebration using #ChocolateMilkDay on social media.
