1. Women Mean Business ®

2. The National Association of Women Business Owners Chicago Area Chapter propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power. Vision Statement

3. Through excellence in vision, leadership,and continuous outreach to the diverse community of women entrepreneurs, we: Strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members 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. Mission Statement

4. The Chicago Chapter was established in 1978  620 members  415 women business owner members $1.15 billion + in sales 10,000 + employees About NAWBO Chicago

5. Revenues range from:  under $100,000 29%  $100,000 to $500,000 27%  $500,000 to $1 million14%  $1 million to $10 million23%  $10 million to $25 million 5%  more than $25 million 2% Who Are NAWBO Members? 3% of all women-owned businesses have revenues of $1 million or more. Source: Center for Women’s Business Research. 30% of NAWBO Chicago members have annual revenues of $1 million or more.

6. NAWBO Members are employers:  Sole Proprietors 36%  1-10 employees42%  11-25 employees 9%  26-50 employees 3%  51-100 employees 2%  100+ employees 3% Who Are NAWBO Members? 81% of all women-owned businesses are sole proprietors. Source: Center for Women’s Business Research. 36% of NAWBO Chicago members are sole proprietors.

7.  Connect with 10,000 other women business owners across the country to share information and ideas.  Become a leader in the business community by joining a committee and working up to a chair or board director position.  Learn more about the business of running your business through educational seminars, newsletter articles, Knowledge Partner advice and other business owners.  Attend the numerous networking events hosted throughout the year and make new business contacts.  Apply for one of the many awards NAWBO sponsors and/or publicizes to members.  Join a Special Interest Group and connect with others who share your issues and concerns. Why Should I Join?

8.  Participate in a Leads Group for business referrals.  Get involved in the political process through our national Public Policy Forum, national Political Action Committee or local Political Action Committee.  Build relationships with corporations who support women business owners by becoming Corporate Partners.  Go Global – get information and resources on doing business globally through our International Forum, Trade Missions and International Alliances.  Expose Yourself! NAWBO is a forum to demonstrate who you are and what you do through committee participation, donating needed goods or services, presenting educational seminars and getting to know other members. Why Should I Join?

9.  Networking events  Dynamic committees  Special Interest Groups  Leads Groups  Political Action Committee  Educational Seminars  Connecting Points  Learn from our “Knowledge Partner” Member Benefits

10.  Advisory Board  Award Opportunities  Board Appointments  Affiliate Relationships  Corporate Partnerships  Online directory for members only  NAWBO E-Bulletin and website More Member Benefits

11.  Meet interesting women  Broaden your horizons  Sense of community  Fun Even More Member Benefits!

12. April 22: Annual Celebration of Achievement Luncheon featuring Kay Koplovitz, President and Founder USA Network and Springboard Enterprises Hilton Chicago | 720 S. Michigan Ave. Upcoming Events

13.  Create relationships and generate new business opportunities  Share common experiences, achievements and challenges with a community of women business owners  Grow your business into more than you dreamed. Join NAWBO to…

14. You will save $25 off your initial membership dues. Join Today and…