Corporate America is still very much a boys’ club, and the numbers prove it: Only 1.7 percent of women-owned businesses have revenues greater than $1 million; 92 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are men; and according to a 2020 study by LinkedIn, women are 28 percent less likely than men to belong to strong professional networks. Local entrepreneur Kate Bailey believes that last statistic is a big reason why the first two exist, so on September 15 she will open Tarra, a 12,500-square-foot, women-focused business campus at the 9+CO development in Hale. “There’s power in community,” says Bailey, who previously owned a marketing firm. “Having a space where women can work and connect without judgment is the ultimate goal.”

To accomplish that, Tarra will host regular events, such as September’s “Perfecting the Art of the Pivot,” a lecture about how to switch your company from a direct-to-consumer model to a business-to-business one, and September’s “Stronger Toget(her),” a meetup, organized in partnership with the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, for women participating in Denver Startup Week. But the facility is also designed for the daily bonds of business: Gig workers can take advantage of the coworking space, while companies can hold meetings in conference rooms (sipping coffee and tea from local, women-owned businesses Kebon and Teatulia while they brainstorm).

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Tarra’s memberships for individuals start at $70 per month, a cost that grants access to the networking events, discounted conference room rentals, and a one-day pass to the workspace. With the premium option ($285 per month), patrons can enjoy unlimited access to the coworking area, guest passes, and inclusion in the Tarra newsletter to promote their businesses. The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Aspen Wealth Management, and Dive In Digital are also opening branches in the space. That early success has Bailey dreaming about the future. “I want to expand Tarra throughout Colorado and the United States,” she says, which would surely do a number on the boys’ club.

Photo by Sarah Banks

Power In Community

We asked Bailey to recommend other Denver-based business organizations that uplift women.

SecondActWomen

For: Women older than 40
What: This organization hosts master classes, provides speaking opportunities, and teaches the art of crafting business proposals, all in the name of combating ageism.
Up next: On September 29, SecondActWomen will host a breakfast social at the Clayton Members Club & Hotel. All ages and genders are welcome.

Latinas First Foundation

For: Women who identify as Latina, Hispanic, or Chicana
What: Latinas First has been mentoring business owners for over a decade with events such as speed networking (25 experts dispense lightning-quick advice on everything from interview techniques to personal branding).
Up next: On September 23, join the Latinas First Foundation at the Downtown Sheraton for its annual luncheon ($200) honoring Latina trailblazers and unsung heroes, while raising money for scholarships in the process.

Phenomenal Women Inc.

For: Everyone—including men!
What: The nonprofit, founded in 2017, focuses on three tenets: community service, female empowerment, and supporting students of color.
Up next: On November 5, the group will host its first fundraising gala at Tivoli Turnhalle on Auraria Campus; your $50 ticket funds college scholarships for students of color.