women

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Women in the Trades: Developing a Pipeline of Talent for the Future

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Local trade association, the Frederick County Building Industry Association, launched an initiative in 2021 to tap into a large segment of the potential construction trades workforce: Women. The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council was established in 2021 to empower women in the building industry by providing opportunities for both professional and personal development. Initiatives like this are helping to develop a pipeline of talent for the future amongst the construction trades industry,

Danielle Adams, Executive Officer with the Frederick County Builders Industry Association, shared recently, “The National Association of Home Builders estimates 11% of women make up the U.S. building industry workforce with less than 5% performing a skilled trade. Additionally, of the highest in demand workforce needs, only 2.5% of auto techs are women (2024 U.S. Department of Commerce) 3.5% are laborers, 3.2% are plumbers, and 2.9% are electricians (2025 National Association of Women in Construction).

Initiatives in Frederick appear to be positively impacting the trajectory of women in the trades. Ms. Adams shared, “In Frederick County, we are seeing an increase, boasting more than 17% in the building industry. FCBIA’s Professional Women in Building Council and the Frederick County Women in Trades are advocating to mentor to women of all ages to pursue a career path in the skilled trades. Their awareness efforts through programing, speaking engagements, tabling events, and more, these organizations are supporting schools and employers to provide access and create a welcoming culture for women in the skilled trades.”

Adams along with members of Frederick County Women in Trades recently participated in the Construction Career Trades event at Harry Grove Stadium to showcase opportunities for future graduates that include on-the-job-training, apprenticeships and more. Learn about the Frederick event sponsored by the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation here.

Frederick County Women in Trades

Follow the web and social media pages to learn more about future networking and educational events in Frederick focused on the construction trades:

Reach out to learn about other workforce initiatives in Frederick, including apprenticeships, internships and more! 301.600.6360 or businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

Build Your Network: Local Resources and Opportunities for Women Business Owners in Frederick

Securing and maintaining a professional network is one of the keys to success in business. Connecting with like-minded business owners can result in sharing industry knowledge, business leads, and new opportunities for growth. For Women’s History Month, we have compiled a list of some local women-centered organizations and resources that business owners in Frederick can tap into for support, networking, and development.

1. Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Frederick County

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Frederick County is a group of women professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to supporting and growing each other’s businesses. The mission is to foster networking opportunities, create educational experiences, and build connections among local women in business.
How to Join: Membership is open to business owners and corporations through an annual fee.
Website: https://wbnfrederick.org/

2. Frederick County Commission for Women (FCCFW)

The Frederick County Commission for Women is a non-partisan organization focused on advancing the status of women and promoting economic opportunities through advocacy, education, and outreach. Their mission includes advising county leadership on women’s issues and providing resources for women entrepreneurs.
How to Join: Membership is applied for with a resume and letter of interest to cfw@frederickcountymd.gov.
Website: www.frederickcountymd.gov/1520/Commission-For-Women

3. Women in Business of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

The Women in Business (WIB) group is a committee under the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to encourage and empower women professionals through networking, mentoring, and educational events. Members gain access to unique resources tailored to enhance business growth and leadership skills.
How to Join: Join as a Chamber member and opt into the WIB committee.
Website: www.frederickchamber.org/women-in-business.html

4. Frederick Business and Professional Women (BPW) 

Frederick BPW is a local chapter of the statewide Business and Professional Women of Maryland, and is a non-partisan, non-sectarian organization dedicated to advancing key objectives for women, including equal legal rights, pay equity, gender equality, and fair treatment in insurance and pension plans, among other important issues on a local scale.
How to Join: Membership is available to women professionals and business owners.
Website: www.bpwmaryland.org/bpwmd_frederick.asp

5. Negro Business Women’s Association (NBPW) - Frederick Chapter

The Negro Business and Professional Women's Club (NBPW) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of African American women in business. The Frederick chapter supports women of color by offering a space for networking, mentorship, and professional development, helping to foster economic independence and leadership among its members.
How to Join: Membership is open to African American women professionals and entrepreneurs.
Website: www.facebook.com/nanbpw

Programs

Alongside organizations are programs that women businessowners can take advantage of, designed to help take their businesses to the next level.

6. Frederick County Chamber of Commerce S.H.E. Pitch

S.H.E. Pitch is an initiative through the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce focused on women entrepreneurs. It provides a platform for future and current business owners to pitch their businesses, whether in the idea stage or growing, to investors and peers, building visibility and access to funding.
How to Join: Must be a Frederick-based for-profit business that is at least 51% woman-owned. Businesses must be in the idea or growth stage and no more than three years old to participate.
Website: www.frederickchamber.org/shepitch.html

Does your business happen to be more than 3 years old? Consider S.H.E. Week instead!

7. S.H.E. Week

S.H.E. Week is an annual event hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, designed to support and celebrate women entrepreneurs through workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. The week-long event focuses on growth, leadership, and fostering strong business connections. This year's theme, you ask? The power of Momentum.
How to Join: Register for events during S.H.E. Week.
Website: www.frederickchamber.org/sheweek2025.html

Women Publications 

Several local publications highlight the community of women entrepreneurs, their achievements, businesses, and stories. These women-owned platforms offer valuable opportunities for publicity, collaboration, and growth. Below are two standout publications that empower local women in business and provide a space to showcase their work.

8. Sass Magazine 

Sass Magazine is a local, women-owned publication that spotlights women-owned businesses in the area. These publications serve as a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and connect with a wider community. The magazine also covers topics related to health, lifestyle, and business, catering specifically to a female audience.
How to Connect: Contact the publication directly for features, advertising opportunities, or collaboration.
Website: www.sassmagazine.com

9. Lifestyle Magazine

Lifestyle Magazine is a women-owned publication that covers health, wellness, and personal development, providing a platform for exposure and visibility in the Frederick area. 

How to Connect: For advertising opportunities or collaborations, reach out directly to the magazine’s team.

Website: www.lifestylemagazine.com


Each of these organizations offers valuable resources and networks for women in business, whether you are looking for networking opportunities, professional development, or business visibility. Engaging with these groups can help foster growth, empowerment, and success for women entrepreneurs in Frederick.

For more information about small business resources, please contact our Economic Development team at 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov.