About NAWBO -- A Brief History

National Association of Women Business Owners started as an informal meeting of women business owners in the Washington, D.C. area who met to trade information about federal contracts, bank credit, and other business issues. Every few weeks, more women began attending the group and it became clear that there was a great need for a formal organization devoted to helping women business owners, so NAWBO was created.

Today the organization features chapters in almost every metropolitan area in the United States. By combining the knowledge, networks, and expertise of its diverse membership, board of directors, and staff, NAWBO works to:

• STRENGTHEN the wealth creating capacity of its 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

NAWBO's strength comes from the diversity of its membership. Businesses range in size from sole proprietorship to hundreds of employees. Members hail from every business industry - from construction and importers, to retailers and service providers - and represent all areas of the country.

NAWBO application form On-line