The Power Of A Woman

The Significance of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, family, and community gathering. While its historical origins are tied to early colonial harvest celebrations, today it’s largely celebrated as a time to:

Give thanks for blessings and achievements over the past year Share a meal that symbolizes abundance and togetherness Reconnect with family and friends, often across generations Pass down traditions, recipes, and cultural values

Beyond the food, it’s a day that blends heritage, hospitality, and storytelling — where the table becomes a place for bonding.

The Role Women Often Play in Preparing for the Holiday

While Thanksgiving is a shared celebration, women have historically and culturally taken on a major role in shaping its experience:

1. Culinary Tradition Keepers

Women often preserve and pass down family recipes — the cornbread stuffing grandma perfected, the pie crust mom taught you to make. They often orchestrate the menu, ensuring both traditional favorites and modern twists are represented.

2. Household Coordinators

Women frequently act as project managers of the holiday — making guest lists, organizing seating, delegating tasks, and ensuring timing runs smoothly. This role can include balancing dietary needs, arranging travel accommodations, and making sure every guest feels welcome.

3. Cultural & Emotional Anchors

Women often weave storytelling and heritage into the day, reminding younger generations of the meaning behind traditions. They also serve as emotional hosts, creating the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes Thanksgiving feel special.

4. Bridge Builders

Women frequently act as peacemakers and connectors, smoothing tensions at the table and making sure conversations flow. They may intentionally invite neighbors, friends without family nearby, or community members who might otherwise spend the day alone — expanding the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Modern Shifts

While traditional gender roles placed most of the Thanksgiving labor on women, there’s a growing movement toward shared preparation. Men, children, and guests increasingly take on cooking, cleaning, and hosting duties — not just to share the workload, but to make the celebration more inclusive and balanced.

1. Thrive Market Collective

Founder: Women-led team What they do: A community-focused marketplace that supports local artisans and women entrepreneurs by selling handmade goods, apparel, and home products. Impact: Encourages local economic growth and highlights Cleveland’s female craft-makers and small business owners.

2. Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop

Co-founded by a woman entrepreneur (local woman business leader involved) What they do: Reviving nostalgic soda fountain treats with a modern twist, offering ice cream, sodas, and local snacks. Impact: Adds vibrant culture to Cleveland’s food scene while supporting local suppliers and employing diverse teams.

3. The Glow Beauty Bar

Founder: Female entrepreneur specializing in skincare and beauty services. What they do: Providing inclusive beauty treatments, focusing on natural and holistic skincare tailored to diverse skin types. Impact: Promotes self-care and empowerment, especially within communities of color.

4. Cle Clothing

Founder: Woman entrepreneur passionate about Cleveland pride. What they do: Designing apparel and accessories inspired by Cleveland’s heritage and culture. Impact: Builds local identity and supports urban fashion trends driven by female creativity.

5. Urban Eats

Founder: Female chef and business owner. What they do: A farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing seasonal, local ingredients and sustainable practices. Impact: Champions women in culinary arts and sustainability while providing a community gathering space.

Why Supporting Local Female-Owned Businesses Matters in Cleveland:

Economic empowerment: Women business owners generate jobs and strengthen local economies. Diversity and inclusion: Female founders often focus on underserved markets and inclusive hiring. Community leadership: These businesses often reinvest in neighborhoods through outreach and philanthropy.

Here’s a straightforward structure to write a proper business plan:

1. Executive Summary

What it is: A brief overview of your business and plan. Includes: Your business name, location, mission statement, product/service summary, and the purpose of the plan (e.g., seeking funding). Tip: Write this section last, even though it comes first.

2. Company Description

Describe what your business does and what makes it unique. Explain the problems you solve and who your customers are. Include your business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.) and ownership.

3. Market Analysis

Research your industry, market size, and trends. Identify your target market: demographics, needs, behaviors. Analyze competitors: strengths, weaknesses, and your competitive advantage.

4. Organization & Management

Outline your business’s organizational structure. List key team members and their roles/experience. Include advisors, board members, or consultants if relevant.

5. Products or Services

Describe your offerings in detail. Explain the benefits and what sets them apart. Mention any intellectual property, research, or development plans.

6. Marketing & Sales Strategy

How will you attract and retain customers? Describe your pricing, sales tactics, promotions, and distribution channels. Include plans for online marketing, social media, and partnerships.

7. Funding Request (if applicable)

Specify how much funding you need. Explain how you will use the funds. Outline potential future funding needs.

8. Financial Projections

Provide income statements, cash flow forecasts, and balance sheets for 3–5 years. Include assumptions behind your projections. If you’re early-stage, focus on realistic sales forecasts and expenses.

9. Appendix (Optional)

Include additional documents like resumes, permits, legal documents, product photos, or market studies.

Tips for Writing Your Business Plan

Be clear and concise: Avoid jargon and fluff. Use data: Support claims with market research and financial data. Tailor for your audience: An investor needs different info than a partner or bank. Update regularly: Your business plan should evolve as your business grows.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a brand that stands out and sticks:

1. Know Your Brand’s Core

Purpose: Why does your business exist beyond making money? Mission: What do you aim to achieve or change? Values: What principles guide your decisions and how you treat customers? Personality: If your brand were a person, what kind of character would it have? Friendly, bold, nurturing, expert?

2. Understand Your Audience

Define your ideal customer: age, interests, pain points, dreams. What emotions or outcomes do they seek? How do they currently see competitors? What gaps can your brand fill?

3. Craft Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

This is the clear, concise statement of what you offer and why it’s better or different. Example: “We help busy moms cook healthy meals in 30 minutes or less.” Your UVP should answer the question: “Why should I choose you?”

4. Develop Your Visual Identity

Logo: Simple, memorable, and reflective of your brand personality. Color Palette: Choose colors that evoke the emotions you want (blue = trust, red = energy, etc.). Typography: Fonts should be readable and match your brand vibe—professional, playful, elegant? Imagery: Photos, graphics, and style that consistently tell your story.

5. Define Your Brand Voice & Messaging

How do you speak to your audience? Formal or casual? Warm or direct? Create key messages and taglines that communicate your UVP clearly. Use storytelling to make your brand relatable and memorable.

6. Be Consistent Everywhere

From your website to social media, packaging, customer service, and emails—your brand should feel like one seamless experience. Consistency builds trust and recognition.

7. Build Emotional Connections

Engage your audience with content that educates, entertains, or inspires. Share your story and your “why” to build authenticity. Respond personally to feedback and messages to show you care.

8. Monitor and Evolve

Use customer feedback, reviews, and analytics to see how your brand resonates. Stay flexible and update your brand as your business and audience grow.

Here’s a practical breakdown:

1. Start With Clear Priorities

Identify your Top 3 business goals for the next 90 days—everything you do should connect to them. Separate urgent from important—many distractions feel urgent but don’t move the needle. Use a “Stop Doing List”—cut activities that drain time but don’t bring results.

2. Plan Your Time in Blocks

Time Blocking: Schedule specific chunks for tasks (marketing, client calls, admin work) instead of reacting all day. Theme Days: For example—Monday: marketing, Tuesday: client work, Wednesday: networking. Batching Tasks: Do similar tasks together to avoid “switching brain gears” constantly.

3. Use Tools to Work Smarter

Project Management: Trello, Asana, or ClickUp to organize tasks and deadlines. Calendar Control: Google Calendar or Outlook with color coding for business vs. personal tasks. Automation: Schedule social media posts, email campaigns, and recurring invoices so you’re not repeating manual work.

4. Delegate & Outsource

Hire a virtual assistant for admin tasks. Use freelancers for design, marketing, or bookkeeping. Remember: Your time is worth the highest-value work only you can do.

5. Protect Your Energy

Set office hours—even if your “office” is at home. Learn to say no without guilt when something doesn’t align with your goals. Take short breaks to recharge—fatigue kills productivity faster than being “too busy.”

6. Balance Without Burning Out

Schedule self-care like you would a client meeting—it’s non-negotiable. Involve your family in your business where possible so they understand your time demands. Review your schedule weekly and adjust—flexibility is a strength, not a weakness.

Sample Time Management Flow for Women Entrepreneurs

Morning (8–11 AM): Deep work—strategy, product development, client projects.

Midday (11–2 PM): Networking, calls, meetings.

Afternoon (2–4 PM): Marketing & content creation.

End of Day (4–5 PM): Admin wrap-up, plan tomorrow.

Evening: Family, rest, or personal growth activities.

What Transgender Day of Remembrance Means

Purpose: To remember and honor transgender individuals who have been murdered or lost their lives due to transphobia. Awareness: Highlights the severity and frequency of violence against transgender people globally. Community & Support: Provides a space for mourning, reflection, and solidarity within and beyond the transgender community. Date: Observed annually on November 20th.

How to Support and Acknowledge TDOR

1. Educate Yourself and Others

Learn about the stories of transgender victims and the broader context of transphobic violence. Share facts, history, and resources on social media or in your community to raise awareness.

2. Participate in or Organize Vigils and Events

Attend local or virtual vigils and memorials honoring transgender lives. Support community events that promote understanding and healing.

3. Amplify Trans Voices

Listen to and share the voices of transgender activists and community leaders. Support transgender-led organizations and initiatives.

4. Advocate for Change

Support policies and initiatives that promote transgender rights and safety. Challenge transphobic attitudes and language in your circles.

5. Show Respect and Solidarity

Use correct names and pronouns when speaking about or to transgender individuals. Offer support to transgender friends, family, and coworkers—small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Limited Access to Capital

The Challenge: Women-owned businesses receive a smaller share of bank loans, venture capital, and investment funding. How to Overcome: Apply for women-specific grants and funding programs (Amber Grant, IFundWomen, WBENC certification). Build relationships with community banks and credit unions that value diversity lending. Consider crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending to bypass traditional gatekeepers.

2. Networking Gaps

The Challenge: Many business opportunities come from insider connections, and women—especially in male-dominated industries—often get left out of these networks. How to Overcome: Join women’s business associations (NAWBO, Ladies Who Launch). Attend industry conferences with a strategy—set networking goals and follow up quickly. Use LinkedIn actively to connect with decision-makers and collaborators.

3. Balancing Business and Personal Life

The Challenge: Women are still expected to take on the majority of caregiving, which can limit time and flexibility. How to Overcome: Outsource where possible—hire part-time help or use virtual assistants. Set firm work hours and communicate them to family and clients. Use productivity tools to automate repetitive business tasks.

4. Gender Bias and Stereotypes

The Challenge: Women leaders may be underestimated or judged more harshly than men. How to Overcome: Build credibility through results—let data and performance speak for you. Speak confidently in negotiations; avoid apologizing for asking for fair terms. Find mentors (both male and female) who can advocate for you in higher circles.

5. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

The Challenge: Women may second-guess their skills, even with strong track records. How to Overcome: Keep a “wins” journal—document achievements and positive feedback. Surround yourself with a supportive mastermind group. Invest in leadership or public speaking training to boost confidence.

6. Market Visibility

The Challenge: Without strong branding and marketing, women-owned businesses can get overshadowed. How to Overcome: Develop a clear, memorable brand identity. Use social media strategically—storytelling builds trust and relatability. Partner with other women-owned businesses to cross-promote.

Bottom line: Success as a woman entrepreneur isn’t just about grit—it’s about using the right tools, networks, and strategies to break through barriers that shouldn’t exist in the first place.

1. Funding & Grants

Amber Grant – Monthly $10,000 grant for women entrepreneurs, plus annual $25,000 award. (womensnet.net) IFundWomen – Crowdfunding platform plus coaching, grants, and funding partnerships. (ifundwomen.com) Grants.gov – Database of federal grants (searchable by business type). (grants.gov) Cartier Women’s Initiative – International grants and mentorship for impact-driven women entrepreneurs. (cartierwomensinitiative.com) Hello Alice – Free resources, grant listings, and funding opportunities. (helloalice.com)

2. Government & Nonprofit Support

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) – Offers training, business counseling, and access to capital. (sba.gov) Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) – Local centers offering free or low-cost classes, mentorship, and loan assistance. (sba.gov/local-assistance) National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – Advocacy, networking, and professional growth. (nawbo.org)

3. Networking & Mentorship

SCORE for Women Entrepreneurs – Free mentoring from experienced business owners and executives. (score.org/women) Ladies Who Launch – Community and events for women founders. (ladieswholaunch.org) Lean In Circles – Small peer groups for accountability and growth. (leanin.org)

4. Education & Skill Building

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women – Free business education program online. (gs.com/10000women) Coursera & edX – Affordable online business courses (many are free). SheMeansBusiness by Meta – Social media marketing training for women entrepreneurs. (facebook.com/business/shemeansbusiness)

5. Industry-Specific Support

WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) – Certification that can open doors to corporate and government contracts. (wbenc.org) Association of Women’s Business Centers – Connects you to regional resources and industry-specific events. (awbc.org)

If you’d like, I can organize these into a downloadable PDF directory with clickable links, short descriptions, and tips on how to apply or join—so you can keep it as a go-to reference for your business journey. That way, it’s more than just a list—it’s a ready-to-use toolkit.

Here’s a step-by-step blueprint you can apply to almost any business idea:

1. Clarity on the Idea

Identify Your Niche: What problem are you solving? Who needs your solution? Test the Demand: Use surveys, social media polls, or small-scale sales to see if people will pay for it. Know Your Unique Value: What makes you stand out from existing competitors?

2. Research the Industry

Market Size & Trends: Is it growing or shrinking? Who are the main players? Regulations & Licenses: Food, beauty, health, construction, and finance have strict compliance rules—know them before you start. Barriers to Entry: High equipment costs? Special certifications? Long production times?

3. Create a Simple Business Plan

You don’t need a 50-page document—just something clear:

Business Overview: Your mission, vision, and core offering. Target Market: Who you’re selling to. Revenue Model: How you’ll make money. Budget: Startup costs, monthly expenses, and pricing. Marketing Strategy: How you’ll attract customers.

4. Handle the Legal Side

Choose a Structure: Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation—each has tax and liability differences. Register Your Business Name: Check trademarks to avoid conflicts. Get Necessary Licenses/Permits: Varies by industry and location. Set Up Taxes: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) in the U.S.

5. Secure Funding

Options include:

Personal savings. Friends and family contributions. Small business loans. Grants (especially for women, minorities, or startups in certain industries). Crowdfunding or investors.

6. Build Your Brand

Name & Logo: Memorable, easy to spell, reflects your offer. Online Presence: Website, social media, professional email address. Storytelling: Share your “why” to connect emotionally with customers.

7. Launch Smart

Start with a minimum viable product (MVP)—a simple version of your offering to test the market. Gather feedback, refine your product/service. Offer promotions or collaborate with influencers to gain traction.

8. Market & Sell Consistently

Content marketing (blogs, videos, social media posts). Networking events and trade shows. Email lists and loyalty programs. Customer referrals—reward people for bringing you new clients.

9. Track, Adjust, and Scale

Review sales, expenses, and customer feedback regularly. Improve processes to save time or money. Add new products, locations, or online services once your core is stable.

For women, this week can be a powerful catalyst for growth and visibility.

1. What It Means

A National Focus: Recognizes entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds, and industries. Learning & Networking: Includes events, webinars, workshops, and community gatherings. Resource Sharing: Government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies share funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and free business tools. Inspiration: Stories of entrepreneurs overcoming challenges can motivate others to start or grow their ventures.

2. How It Can Help Women

a. Access to Mentorship

Women can connect with experienced business owners—especially other women—who can guide them through challenges like funding, scaling, or breaking into male-dominated industries.

b. Closing the Knowledge Gap

Workshops cover topics like marketing, legal basics, digital tools, and accessing grants—key areas where many new entrepreneurs feel uncertain.

c. Funding Opportunities

Many banks, grants, and pitch competitions launch or promote programs during this week—women entrepreneurs can leverage them to secure startup or expansion capital.

d. Building Confidence & Visibility

Public events give women a platform to share their ideas, products, or services, helping them attract clients, investors, and collaborators.

e. Representation & Role Models

Seeing other women succeed in business can break down internalized doubts and societal stereotypes about women’s abilities to lead and innovate.

3. Why It Matters for Women

Women-owned businesses are growing fast, but they still face barriers—limited access to capital, smaller networks, and industry bias. National Entrepreneurship Week creates a focused moment to connect women with resources, role models, and opportunities that can close those gaps.