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          Don’t miss our upcoming Government Affairs Forum with Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg.

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          9:45am - 11:00am

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          Upcoming Events
          Engage & Learn

          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

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        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Series
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg

          Don’t miss our upcoming Government Affairs Forum with Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg.

          12/09/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

          • Annual & Premier Events
          • Economic Inclusion
          • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
          • Digital Media & Marketing
          • Public Policy
          • Professional Development
          • Women’s Network
          • Workforce Development
          • Young Professionals Network
          • VIEW ALL PROGRAMMING
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        • Member Engagement

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Small Business Benefits
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Member Spotlights
          • Sign In
        • ...
          Inside the Program: Info Session & Cocktail Reception

          Join us in person to learn about Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL), a prestigious leadership program shaping top talent across Greater Boston. Hear from alumni, explore the application process, and stay for networking and refreshments.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Not Sure if You’re a Member?

          Browse our directory to connect with other members.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Talent & Workforce
        • Talent & Workforce

          • Professional Development
          • Workforce Development
          • Open Programs
          • DEI Resource Hub
          • Insights
        • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (FOUNDATION) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

          Read More
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
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          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
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          • Our Funders
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          • Donate
        • ...
          Our Mission
          Expanding Opportunity

          Learn how we advance talent and small business growth.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Foundation Initiatives
          Programming That Empowers

          Explore our key priorities and strategic efforts.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
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          Join us at our next Foundation event.

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International Womens Day: A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurs in Boston

Yvonne Garcia, Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO, Global Head of Communications, & Head of Global CEO Experience Program, State Street

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women around the world. As part of IWD, women entrepreneurs should be celebrated as embodiments of resilience and grit – pillars in our communities who sustain our economies every day. This past year is especially noteworthy as women entrepreneurs lived and worked through the pandemic, racial reckoning, and the road to economic recovery, while simultaneously pivoting their businesses. Today and every day, we must continue to support and advocate for women entrepreneurs – as the competitiveness of our communities, our neighborhoods, and our region depend on a strong presence of women-owned businesses.

Recognizing that women-owned businesses face significant and unique challenges to survive amidst the pandemic, business leaders created a lifeline, Small Business Strong (SBS), a pro bono technical assistance program for women-owned and minority-owned businesses during the pandemic and beyond. Founded by State Street, the Chamber, and other corporate partners, SBS continues to help women-owned businesses survive and thrive. Championing and strengthening small businesses, SBS has served over 1,200 small businesses since its launch in May of 2020, and over 70% of businesses served are owned by women and/or people of color. The free assistance and business expertise provided includes legal services, operational evaluations, financial and capital analysis, marketing consultations, and IT expertise. During this moment, the need for pro bono resources cannot be disregarded, and SBS is meeting the need –providing women-owned businesses with the critical resources and information to survive, grow, or pivot their business operations, further sustaining neighborhoods and local economies that depend on them.

Women Entrepreneurs of SBS: A Closer Look

Suzanne Biscotti, owner of Botanical Cryo Skincare, used the expertise of SBS business advisors to quickly pivot her business operations. “We had to shift our whole business plan, [which was to] originally work with aestheticians and spas, and build our marketing plan online,” said Biscotti. The free SBS business analysis and support from experts helped Botanical Cryo Skincare to reach new customers online, successfully harnessing the pivot to survive the changes encountered by the pandemic.

Veronica Robles, the leader of Boston’s first all-female Mariachi band, also utilized SBS to bring her business pivot to fruition. Robles is a well-known performer, and it was imperative to quickly figure out a way forward despite her inability to perform in person. SBS was the resource to help Robles realize the power of virtual performances and other necessary operational changes: “My Business Advisor really helped me rethink how I can still provide my services to the community by thinking of different tools and ways to reach my community. Now more than ever, our youth need us and it is very important for that I still have access to them. Thank you, Small Business Strong,” said Veronica Robles.

Supporting women in our industries, neighborhoods, and regions is a call to action for all of us. Buying from women-owned businesses and supporting the future of women-owned businesses are actions that everyone can take to celebrate IWD. Moving beyond IWD, we must continue to celebrate girls and women – including their strength and perseverance.

Throughout the next year, I invite you to join me in amplifying and supporting programs like SBS, the Chamber’s Women’s Network, and the Center for Women & Enterprise as keys to sustaining our community and ourselves.

 

Our past Women’s Network virtual panels are another resource for women entrepreneurs and allies. Watch the entire virtual event “How Entrepreneurs are Pivoting” here, and the Women’s Network Annual Pinnacle awards here. Join us virtually at the Chamber’s upcoming Women’s Networks events.

The Chamber’s Women’s Network event series is a place where everyone belongs. The Women’s Network includes a diverse group of 3,000 women and male allies from all sectors, industries, and professions, all committed to ensuring that Greater Boston becomes the best place for professional women to thrive. All identities welcomed and encouraged to attend.

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