Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Celebrating Women’s History Month at Our Farmers Market  

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and across industries. At Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, we proudly highlight the incredible women entrepreneurs who comprise 90% of our farmers market vendors. These women are business owners, community leaders, innovators, and changemakers who bring fresh, local food and handmade goods to our neighborhoods.

Women at the Heart of Our Market

Our farmers’ markets in New York City, located in Harlem and The Bronx, are more than just places to shop—they are spaces where women entrepreneurs thrive. From Upstate New York farmers growing fresh produce to local artisans crafting unique handmade goods, beverages, and beauty and fitness products, these vendors are shaping the future of local businesses. Many have turned their passion projects into successful ventures, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and dedication.

Women-owned businesses play an essential role in strengthening local economies. Studies show that supporting women entrepreneurs leads to better community economic stability, increased job creation, and more diverse product offerings. Know that by shopping at our market, you are directly supporting women-led businesses and helping to create a more inclusive marketplace.

Breaking Barriers & Building Businesses

For many women, starting and running a business comes with unique challenges, including access to capital, balancing family responsibilities, and navigating male-dominated industries. Our farmers market is an accessible platform for women to grow their businesses without the high overhead costs of a traditional storefront. With direct customer access, they can build brand recognition, test new products, and gain valuable business experience.

Many of our vendors have inspiring stories of perseverance. Some have left corporate jobs to pursue their passions for food and sustainability, while others have launched businesses to support their families. Through shared experiences and mutual support, these women are not just building businesses—they are building a community.

The Power of Shopping Local

When community members choose to shop locally, they play a crucial role in strengthening the markets and supporting small businesses. Every dollar spent at the farmers market helps sustain vendors, allowing them to grow their businesses, reinvest in their communities, and continue offering fresh, high-quality products. Local support also fosters a vibrant market atmosphere, attracting more vendors and creating a thriving space where entrepreneurship flourishes. By shopping at our farmers markets, you are not just making a purchase but investing in your neighborhood’s economic health and sustainability.

Women-Owned Business Statistics

Women-owned businesses are growing rapidly and making a significant economic impact. According to the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), 14 million women-owned businesses make up 39.1% of all U.S. businesses—a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023— and they are coming out of the pandemic stronger than the 2008 financial crisis, especially those owned by women of color”. Despite this growth, female entrepreneurs still face barriers in accessing funding, with only 2% of venture capital funding going to women-led startups (PitchBook, 2023). Supporting women-owned businesses at the local level helps bridge this gap and ensures that more women can achieve financial independence and business success.

How You Can Support Women Entrepreneurs

We encourage you to take action to support women-led businesses. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Shop at our farmers market – Every purchase makes a difference! By buying from women vendors, you contribute to their success and economic empowerment.
• Please spread the word by Sharing their stories on social media, leaving positive reviews, and recommending them to friends and family.
• Become a vendor—If you or someone you know is a woman entrepreneur looking for a space to sell, applications are open! We welcome new vendors to join our growing market community.

📍 New York City – Harlem & The Bronx
📅 Uptown Good Food Farmers Market
June 14 – November 22, 2025
Every Saturday / 9 am – 3 pm
📅 Bronx Park East (BxPE) Farmers Market
June 22 – November 23, 2025
Every Sunday / 9 am – 4 pm
🔗 Apply here: ubhp.org/apply

Celebrating Women—Today and Every Day

At Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, we believe in uplifting and empowering women in March and throughout the year. We are creating a marketplace where women entrepreneurs can thrive and promote economic independence, sustainability, and community connection. Join us in celebrating and supporting the incredible women who make our farmers’ market a success!