Businesswomen's Committee
Planning committee meets approximately once a month
Co-Chairs: Jillian Burgess, Lindsey Egan
Staff Liaison: Michelle Pepin, Director of Events
Mission: Organized in 1986, the group is committed to the growth of Cape Ann businesses and the professional development of the Chamber’s female members. They provide a forum for the region’s businesswomen to network and raise funds for grants that aid women with in growing their businesses or obtaining professional services.
The committee hosts events throughout the year. These include quarterly mixers, a spring ‘Learn & Play’ Golf event, and a fall luncheon in October with a notable and inspirational speaker. These events help further the Committee’s mission of supporting and advocating for women. In 2005, the group originally established a Scholarship fund in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor for women who were considering a career change to advance their lives. To date, the Division has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships. In 2024, the Carolyn M. O'Connor Scholarship was transitioned to the Businesswomen's Opportunity Fund in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor to better serve and support a wider variety of businesswomen on greater Cape Ann.
Businesswomen's Opportunity Fund
In Honor of Carolyn M. O'Connor
This is a need-based Fund created with the intention of giving back to the community by helping greater Cape Ann women achieve their business and career goals. We welcome applications from women who are pursuing undergraduate education, a certificate program or any form of specialized training. We also welcome applications from women who would benefit from a particular Business Essential (store fixtures, technology, software, etc.) or Professional Services (financial or legal consult, etc.) that would help to advance their objectives.
Application Guidelines
- Applicant must have ties to greater Cape Ann (Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester by-the-Sea or Rockport)
- Applicant must have graduated from high school or earned a GED.
- Please answer the application questions thoroughly- incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Information shared in this application is confidential to the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Businesswomen's
- Committee.
- Specific need-based funding amounts may be requested from $500-$2500.
- Applications are accepted annually on a rolling basis.
- Funds are awarded twice a year: in November at our Annual Luncheon and in April, at our Spring Mixer.
- Once confirmed, Awards will be paid directly to the School, Program, Product provider or Service provider, as requested on the application.
If using the PDF application, please send completed applications by email or post to:
Michelle Pepin, Director of Events
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 24 Harbor Loops, Gloucester, MA 01930
About Carolyn M. O'Connor
Founder of the Cape Ann Businesswomen's Committee
Carolyn M. O’Connor was a great advocate for Cape Ann and a valued Chamber member and volunteer.
She was the first Chairwoman of the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee, which she helped organize in 1986 to support the growth of Cape Ann businesses and the professional development of the Chamber’s women members. In honor of her leadership and service the committee established the Carolyn M. O’Connor Scholarship in 2005 to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.
In the early 1980s she served two terms on the Gloucester City Council, where she also co-chaired the Planning and Development Committee. Her extensive community service included the Cape Ann League of Women Voters,
the Overall Economic Development Committee of Cape Ann and Addison Gilbert
Hospital.
While Ms. O’Connor served as an aide to former Congressman Michael Harrington in the 1970s, her work on federal and state funding projects helped deliver millions of dollars to Cape Ann, including grants for the Gloucester fishing industry, the Jodrey State Fish Pier, and the Cape Ann Commercial Fisherman’s Loan Fund.
In grateful appreciation for her support for the businesswomen of Cape Ann and her service to the Cape Ann community, we offer two scholarships each year to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.
