YORK, Pa. — October is recognized as National Women’s Small Business Month.
Although Pennsylvania has many female entrepreneurs, the state has a low ranking nationally when it comes to the number of women-owned businesses, according to Deeter Gallaher Group LLC.
Despite the disparity, events like York’s 717 Vintage Fest allow for women-owned small businesses to empower one another and reach a broader audience.
717 Vintage Fest is an annual event organized by Revolt Style Studio. For customers, the event is an opportunity to give old fashion new purpose. But for small business owners, like Jessica Weikert, it's a chance to shine.
“The majority of business owners are female, so I feel very empowered by my community, and I consider myself very lucky to be in such a like-minded, positive group of people,” says Weikert, Event Developer.
The vintage festival hosts more than 65 vendors from across South-Central PA. More than half are women-owned.
“We do have a community of our friends and other women in business, we support one another, so I think that allows us all to push each other and encourage one another to expand and grow and push on,” said Kalli Conrad, co-owner of Vicious Circle Vintage based out of Lancaster County.
Nationally, there are 13 million small businesses throughout the United States. According to the United States Consensus Bureau, more than one million of those businesses are owned by women.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, about 40% of the state’s total small business owners are women.
While the statistics could intimidate female entrepreneurs, Missy Stine says the number isn’t stopping women like herself from pursuing their dreams.
“I know so many women in business and maybe that just speaks to the strength of the community that we have,” Stine said.
Stine is also the co-owner of Vicious Circle Vintage. They’ve participated in the Vintage Festival for three years and have expanded their customer demographic.
Weikert says the festival lets customers show off their style and helps women-owned businesses learn from each other’s success.
“It’s really important for us business owners to get to know the other business owners in their area and feel comfortable talking to them about the ins and outs of what they learned about their experience to help them grow,” Weikert said.
Preparations for the 717 Vintage Festival 2024 are already underway.