Celebrating Women in Business

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March (which is  right around the corner) is National Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the impact that women have had on all aspects of society and a time that Merchant Resources International has set aside to recognize the various accomplishments that women have made in business.

The first celebration of women’s history in America occurred in 1978 as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, California and was recognized by very few organizations.  “In 1981, Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution recognizing National Women’s History Week as an official holiday,” as stated on ePromos.  “By 1987, Congress had expanded the celebration, and March was officially declared Women’s History Month.”

Below are a few women who have made their marks in small business and entrepreneurship in America.

Mary Katherine Goddard and her widowed mother became the first women publishers in America.  They published the providence Gazette Newspaper and West’s Almanack. – 1766

Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a patent, for a method of weaving straw with silk. – 1809

Madam C.J. Walker is often recognized for the way that she paved for African American women.  However, her success didn’t just open doors for African American women, but for all women, as she started her own business, developing and selling hair products and becoming the first female, self-made millionaire. – 1910

Martha Matilda Harper is credited with creating the modern retail franchising method.  She started the Harper Method, a beauty products system, which grew to include over 500 franchises worldwide in the 1920s.
Lucille Ball, best known for her role on “I Love Lucy” became the first woman to own a film studio in 1963.

*Do you know of any women who have made great accomplishments in business?