Women Entrepreneurs Boston
Women Entrepreneurs Boston (WE BOS) is a dynamic initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing women-owned businesses across Greater Boston. We provide the tools, resources, and connections ambitious entrepreneurs need to transform their vision into thriving enterprises.
Supporting Every Woman Entrepreneur's Journey
At Women Entrepreneurs Boston (WE BOS), we believe in the power of inclusive entrepreneurship. Our community welcomes and supports women business owners from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of business development. Whether you're sketching out your first business plan or leading an established company, WE BOS is here to help you thrive.
Who We Support
Our diverse community includes:
- Startup Founders: Turn your innovative ideas into market-ready businesses
- Home-Based Entrepreneurs: Scale your home business while maintaining flexibility
- Brick-and-Mortar Owners: Strengthen your local presence and expand your customer base
- Online Business Owners: Build and grow your digital enterprise
- Service Providers: Develop your client base and enhance your service offerings
- Product-Based Businesses: Navigate manufacturing, distribution, and retail challenges
- Creative Entrepreneurs: Monetize your artistic talents and creative services
Check out our resource guide:
2026 Events
2026 Events2026 WEBOS Summit Details
| Time and Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
10 a.m. Auditorium (Building 1) |
Welcome and WEBOS Warm Up |
Host: Dr. LaToya Rene WEBOS Warm Up by Courtney Pong |
|
10:45 a.m. Auditorium (Building 1) |
Entrepreneur Panel: Being an Entrepreneur in 2026 |
Moderator: Hilina D. Ajakaiye B2C: Shanita Clarke B2B:Sofi Madison Freelancer: Annie Pelissier Side Hustler: Amma Marfo |
|
11:45 a.m. Student Common (Building 3) |
Lunch |
Self Paid Lunch from Fresh Food Generation. Vendors and Resource Hall opens Free Headshots by Halide Photography |
|
12:45 p.m. Auditorium (Building 1) |
Session 1: Scaling your Business by Morgan Martin |
There is a massive difference between "owning a job" and "owning a business." For many, the transition from freelancer to full-time founder—or from solopreneur to employer—is the most terrifying bridge to cross. This mini-panel features two distinct perspectives on growth: Morgan, who successfully traded the 9-to-5 to go all-in on their own vision, and a founder who crossed the "hiring threshold" to build a team. We’re moving past vague inspiration to look at the hard math and raw emotions of scaling. You’ll see the actual spreadsheets and revenue markers that signaled it was time to grow, alongside the "I wish I knew" lessons that can’t be found in a textbook. |
|
12:45 p.m. Student Common (Building 3) |
Session 1: Successful Side Hustling by Amanda Shea |
The "Great Resignation" has evolved into the "Great Integration." In 2026, the most successful entrepreneurs aren't always those who quit their jobs on day one; they are the strategic "Dual-Track Founders" who leverage the stability of a 9-to-5 to fuel their passion projects. But how do you build a business without sabotaging your career or your sanity? This session features a moderator who lives this reality, offering a raw and tactical look at managing a "hustle" alongside a full-time role. We’ll explore the ethics of public differentiation, the psychology of reinventing your personal brand when your side gig looks nothing like your day job, and the specific automation tools that keep your business running while you’re "on the clock." |
|
12:45 p.m. Room 121 (Building 3) |
Session 1: City of Boston Corner |
Navigating the ecosystem of city resources shouldn't feel like a maze. In this interactive breakout session, we’re stripping away the red tape and opening the doors for direct, face-to-face dialogue with the departments ( BLDC, Business Strategy, Inspectional Services, Licensing, Permitting, Procurement, Small Business, Supplier Diversity) that power our local economy. This isn't a presentation; it’s an "Office Hours" format designed to get you the clarity you need. Whether you are looking for specific growth resources, trying to understand which department handles your specific permit, or simply need to know who to call for your next big move, this is your chance to get the "inside track" on how the city actually works for your business. |
|
1:40 p.m. Auditorium (Building 1) |
Session 2: Marketing for Non Marketers by Zuhaly Ramon |
You don’t need a marketing degree—or a massive marketing department—to drive consistent sales. For many entrepreneurs, marketing feels like a "someday" task that gets buried under the daily fires of operations. This session flips the script, stripping marketing down to its most effective, non-negotiable parts. We will identify the top 3–5 daily actions that take less than 20 minutes combined but yield exponential results over time. You’ll walk away with a "minimum viable marketing" routine and a curated list of free, automated tools that handle the heavy lifting while you focus on running your business. |
|
1:40 p.m. Student Common (Building 3) |
Session 2: AI for Entrepreneurs by Lipika Kapoor and Shana Penna |
We’ve moved past the era of "playing" with chatbots. In 2026, AI is no longer just a writing assistant—it’s a strategic operator. For entrepreneurs, the real value of AI lies in its ability to handle the "grunt work" of running a business, from generating complex financial reports to managing multi-touch marketing follow-ups. This session moves beyond the hype to show you how to build a custom "AI Stack" that actually saves you 10–20 hours a week. We’ll dive into the practical automation of daily operations and, crucially, discuss the ethical guardrails—like data privacy and algorithmic bias—that every founder must implement to build a brand that is both high-tech and high-trust. |
|
1:40 p.m. Room 121 (Building 3) |
Session 2: City of Boston Corner |
Navigating the ecosystem of city resources shouldn't feel like a maze. In this interactive breakout session, we’re stripping away the red tape and opening the doors for direct, face-to-face dialogue with the departments ( BLDC, Business Strategy, Inspectional Services, Licensing, Permitting, Procurement, Small Business, Supplier Diversity) that power our local economy. This isn't a presentation; it’s an "Office Hours" format designed to get you the clarity you need. Whether you are looking for specific growth resources, trying to understand which department handles your specific permit, or simply need to know who to call for your next big move, this is your chance to get the "inside track" on how the city actually works for your business. |
|
2:35 p.m. Auditorium (Building 1) |
Session 3: Marketing 201 Panel |
You’ve launched the newsletter, you’re posting on social media, and the "engine" is officially running. But for many founders and creators, the question remains: What’s next? Transitioning from a consistent online presence to a high-growth revenue machine requires a shift from execution to strategy. This session is designed for those at the "201 level"—individuals ready to move beyond daily posting and into the world of professional scaling. Our expert panel will dive into the mechanics of high-level growth, including how to identify and vet outside help, the framework for running sophisticated multi-channel campaigns, and the specific "north star" metrics that prove your marketing is actually driving sales. |
|
2:35 p.m. Student Common (Building 3) |
Session 3: Finances by Christina David |
The "venture capital or bust" narrative is losing its grip. For the modern entrepreneur, the most sustainable path to growth often lies in alternative funding—but navigating grants, crowdfunding, and loans requires a completely different playbook than pitching to an angel investor. This session pulls back the curtain on how to secure non-dilutive capital and, more importantly, what to do once you have it. We’re moving beyond the "how-to" of a Kickstarter campaign to tackle the gritty realities of accounting for alternative funds, the art of negotiating contracts that protect your upside, and the operational shift required to move from one-off projects to a long-term, scalable business model. |
|
2:35 p.m. Room 121 (Building 3) |
City of Boston Corner: | Navigating the ecosystem of city resources shouldn't feel like a maze. In this interactive breakout session, we’re stripping away the red tape and opening the doors for direct, face-to-face dialogue with the departments ( BLDC, Business Strategy, Inspectional Services, Licensing, Permitting, Procurement, Small Business, Supplier Diversity) that power our local economy. This isn't a presentation; it’s an "Office Hours" format designed to get you the clarity you need. Whether you are looking for specific growth resources, trying to understand which department handles your specific permit, or simply need to know who to call for your next big move, this is your chance to get the "inside track" on how the city actually works for your business. |
|
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Student Common (Building 3) |
Closing Mixer |
Icebreaker by Marie Meslin Vendor Hall Closes at 5 p.m. Headshots End at 5:30 p.m. |
|
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Library 2nd Floor (Building 3) |
Sensory Space | Feeling overwhelmed? Grab some quiet time in our library. |
About WE BOS Week
WE BOS Week was formally hosted every year in October. In its relaunch we are hosting quarterly larger scale events organized around a unique, central theme to resonate with and convene women business owners and entrepreneurs. Follow along on social media (#WEBOS) and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!
All WE BOS events and opportunities are listed on the calendar below as they become available for registration. Interested in hosting a WE BOS event? Please contact bostonwomen@boston.gov with any questions!
Women's Advancement Business Directory
Partner organizations
Partners- A2C
- American Confidence Institute
- At the Table
- BeautyLynk
- Boston Impact Initiative
- City of Boston Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet
- City of Boston Office of Small Business
- City of Boston Department of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
- City of Boston Department of Supplier Diversity
- City of Boston Women’s Employee Resource Group
- ERG Leaders Alliance
- Get Unstuck
- Innovate@BU
- Innovation Women
- Love Your Magic
- Meet Boston
- M&M Elite Events
- Scroobious
- Supplier Diversity Office
- TIE Boston
- Women Money Matters
- Women of Color Entrepreneurs
- A Year And A Day
Related resources
Employee ownership help
We have information to help you build and grow your worker cooperative or employee-owned firm.
Age-friendly businesses in Boston
Learn about age-friendly and dementia-friendly businesses, and how to certify your company.
Artist Resource Desk
The Artist Resource Desk program is part of the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.
News and announcements
News
Update: This event has been canceled due to the weather.
Celebrate WE BOS Week as Jody Rose, President of the New England Venture Capital Association sits down with leaders in the Office of Economic Development They'll discuss how we can stand together to support women entrepreneurs. The event will be followed by a networking mixer.
Location: City Hall Beer Garden
A conversation during the weekly Small Business call with Boston's leading women entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality industry. Invited panelists include:
- Nia Grace, Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and The Underground Cafe + Lounge, Boston Black Hospitality Coalition
- Tiffani Faison, Big Heart Hospitality
- Nyacko Pearl Perry, Comfort Kitchen
Moderator: Melissa Castro, Director of Operations and Business Strategy, Graffito
Online event
Some of Boston's trailblazers reflect on their journey as entrepreneurs and cultural centers for the Boston community.
- Joelle Fontaine, I am Kreyol
- Heather White, TrillFit
- Danielle Johnson, SPARK FM
Moderator: Hilina Ajakaiye, Vice President of Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Online event
Join a conversation about investing and funding opportunities for small businesses. Panelists include:
- Nika Londy, Intriguing Hair
- Laura Etsey, Distraction Brewing Co
- Carrie DeWitt, Boston Public Market
- Courtney Pong, CSz Boston and The Rozzi Square Theater
Moderator: Paige Curtis, Boston Ujima Project
Online event
We're holding a discussion about eco-sustainable businesses and their impact on a greener Boston. Invited guests include:
Moderator: Mariamma White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space
Online event
