VICTOR, N.Y. — More than 75 businesses owned by women are taking part in the first ever Riveter Festival in Victor.

M/Body in Rochester, who taught a cycling class, was one of the businesses featured.

"It's 45 minutes all out cardio,” said Heather Fortman, operations and energy team leader for M/Body. “I know I'm biased because I teach cycle and I love it, but it is a great cardio workout. If you hate running, hate doing that kind of thing, you hop up on the bike, get some great music. I mean I say it flies but hopefully they feel the same way."

Natalie Rae, who also had her own business featured, says their goal was to celebrate women in entrepreneurship.

The festival also supports the Center for Youth's Chrysalis House, which helps young mothers and other charities, such as Girls Who Run, Junior League of Rochester and Yoga+.

"Community over competition is huge especially here in Rochester,” said Rae. “We have a big portion of studios that have been shut down from the pandemic so they are showing off what they offer to the community, fitness wise, mental health and also physical health."

Fortman says she is grateful to be able to teach fitness classes at M/Body without the restrictions that the pandemic brought. 

"I think after the last year, having something like this to bring everyone together, and work out together, be together, highlight some of these businesses that have been impacted over the last year and really get them to show what they can do,” said Fortman.

The Riveter Festival continues on Sunday.