It couldn’t be a more perfect time to shine a spotlight on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED), observed annually on November 19th.
“This global movement is dedicated to recognizing and empowering women entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders who are driving change, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of our world.” – joinwedo.org
The spirit of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day aligns beautifully with our mission to inspire, support, and advance women on their entrepreneurial and professional journeys.
Recognizing this day highlights the importance of communities like BRA Network that amplify women entrepreneurs as well as foster an environment to help them reach their goals. By sharing knowledge, resources, and encouragement, we’re helping to break barriers, level the playing field, and celebrate the incredible impact women have on the global economy.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day also serves as a reminder that every step forward we take individually contributes to the collective success of women everywhere. Together, we’re creating a future filled with possibility, empowerment, and growth.
Happy 9th Birthday, BRA!
In keeping with that theme, this November also marks a truly special milestone for the BRA Network – it’s our 9th anniversary! That’s nearly a decade of connection, networking, friendships, collaborations, support, education, and fun wrapped up in a truly special community of fierce women and nonbinary business owners.
Did you know the very first official BRA meeting took place in November 2015? Back then, there were only nine women at the table. Among those trailblazing newbies were Kathy Schuh, Stacey Beaman, Lori Medlin, Jennifer Currier, and Synthia Praglin who are all Founding Members of BRA.
In those early days, we didn’t have a brand, a website, social media accounts, or even a real logo, and we had no idea the incredible impact this community would have. But we left that meeting ON FIRE—and BRA was officially born!
That first gathering sparked something powerful… The beginning of a different kind of business network for women entrepreneurs and business owners that would joyfully uplift, connect, and provide opportunities.
Fast forward nine years and we are celebrating the countless accomplishments of the BRA community!
Our Secret Sauce
We’ve built something that has far surpassed even our Founder’s wildest dreams, and she couldn’t be more grateful. BRA is more than a network. We are a thriving ecosystem of:
- Connection: Forging friendships, collaborations, and lifelong alliances.
- Education: Learning and growing through workshops, events, and shared knowledge.
- Support: Offering guidance, resources, and encouragement through every challenge.
- Investment: Hiring one another, recommending each other, and creating opportunities.
- Celebration: Recognizing wins—big and small—and bragging about our Members!
What a journey it’s been!
But this anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s also about looking forward.
Take That First Step
Now is the time to take action on the goals you’ve been holding back on. One of our favorite mottos is, “Progress over perfection!”
Whether it’s publishing that website, starting that podcast, sending that long-overdue proposal, creating the Substack you’ve been sitting on, hiring support, or simply showing up at a BRA event, you never know what’s possible until you begin.
A Beacon of Hope
At its core, the BRA Network is about more than just surviving the challenges we face as women entrepreneurs; it’s about thriving despite them.
The challenges have been real—building a business, fostering a community, and navigating the complexities of life as entrepreneurs, all while the political and social landscape continue to raise questions about our futures.
In these turbulent times, when progress can feel painfully slow and even under threat, our work and our voices matter more than ever. But through it all, BRA has remained a beacon of hope, empowerment, and strength.
As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day AND this incredible milestone, let’s toast to the next nine years of relationships, alliances, achievements, and business growth. Happy 9th Birthday, BRA Network!!!
Thank you to all of our BRA Members and extended community for being part of this wild, beautiful, transformative journey. We wouldn’t be here without you.
