The
National Association of Women Business Owners
propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social
and political spheres of power worldwide.
--NAWBO's Vision Statement
Summary
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), headquartered in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. The organization currently has over 80 chapters. It is affiliated with Les Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) represented in 35 countries.
History
NAWBO traces its origins to a small group of Washington, DC business women who began meeting informally in the Spring of 1974 to talk about mutual experiences, exchange information and develop business skills. Recognizing the value of the group, they incorporated as the National Association of Women Business Owners on July 5, 1975. Two years later they began recruiting members from across the country, and in 1978 the first chapters were formed.
Membership
Membership is open to sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners with day-to-day management responsibility. Active members who live in a chapter area automatically join both chapter and national. Those who do not live in a chapter area join as at-large members.
Headquarters
National headquarters is based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The mailing address is 1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 330, Vienna, VA 22182. For information call (202) 347-8686.
Mission Statement
As an organization with a customer first philosophy, 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
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.
For
more information please visit http://www.nawbo.org