Vision Statement
The National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago Area Chapter, propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power.
Mission Statement
Through excellence in vision, leadership, and continuous outreach to the diverse community of women entrepreneurs, we:
- Strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promote economic development
- Create innovative and effective changes in the business culture
- Build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations
- Transform public policy and influence opinion makers
Diversity Statement
In principle and in practice the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership. NAWBO shall seek full participation in the organization by all women business owners regardless of race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. NAWBO's goal is to fully represent the diverse make-up of the women business owner community through increased representation within ethnic and minority communities and to expand access to leadership opportunities.
Did You Know . . .
- The Chicago Area Chapter is among largest of NAWBO's more than 90 chapters
in the U.S.
- The Chapter's more than 600 members represent businesses in all major
industrial, service, and retail sectors.
- Formed in 1978, Chicago NAWBO provides women business owners with leadership,
education, procurement, and networking opportunities. It also serves as a
voice for its members on economic, social and public policy issues.
- Chapter members represent a variety of races and backgrounds and come
from all areas of business including service, manufacturing and retail. Member
companies vary in size from one employee to several hundred.
- The Chapter produces about 30 social and educational events each year.
In addition to educational seminars and monthly dinner meetings, members
attend a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that meet regularly and
provide a network forum for businesses with common concerns and interests.
- The organization's largest events include the Annual Gala, a luncheon which
honors the accomplishments of members and includes a well-known speaker;
the Affiliates Networking Reception, an event that brings together members
of several Chicago area professional organizations; and the Influential Women
in Business Awards Luncheon produced in partnership with The Business Ledger.
- To recognize and encourage the talents of its members, the Chapter annually
honors the NAWBO Woman Business Owner of the Year and Member of the Year
and presents a New Venture Award for the most promising new business.
- More than 50 Chicago companies, including banks, law firms and major retailers,
partner with the Chapter as corporate partners--providing funds, hosting
programs, underwriting expenses and purchasing from women-owned businesse