WomEn impACt bUSinESS cultuRE

Local NAWBO Chapter Strengthens Business Connections

omen-owned businesses increased 20.1 percent since 2002, accounting for 7.8 million non-farm business, according to preliminary results from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners. And women-owned firms held 28.7 percent of all non-farm businesses in the United States. (http://www.census.gov/econ/sbo/)

A 2010 member survey by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) indicates the trend will continue, not only in women starting new businesses, but also in the growth and expansion of existing businesses. If the valley’s business corridor mirrors that statistic, the newly formed Greater Red River Valley Chapter of The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-GRRV) will be a welcome addition to the region’s women-focused and women-owned businesses.

Generous support from US Bank has propelled NAWBO-GRRV to fully recognized national status.

“Women in business, and individually, greatly influence a community, and US Bank sees that impact as a reason to support this organization,” said Jessica Hoppe, vice president of business banking at US Bank and a NAWBO-GRRV steering committee member.

“We are targeting women business owners, but it’s not absolute,” said Teresa Lewis, owner of The Growth Coach and vice president of NAWBO-GRRV. “We are open to anyone looking to broaden their skills, mindset, or network. Or maybe they want to own a business someday, and we can help get them on that path.”

Mentorship, education, advocacy, entrepreneurial development, networking, and relationship building are key elements of NAWBO and its affiliated chapters. NAWBO represents more than 10 million women-owned businesses in 68 chapters across the country. The Greater Red River Valley chapter is the only one in North Dakota; the next closest affiliate is in Minneapolis.

“Nationally, NAWBO has a strong history and prestige, and they will help support our organization locally and nationally,” said Natalie Sparrow, director of The Ultimate Image and president of NAWBO-GRRV.

While the region’s business climate is not suffering as much as other parts of the country, this is “business under a new normal,” Lewis said. “We will provide a mechanism to enhance business relationships and be very intentional about networking. We will focus on development opportunities and engage in conversations about business and personal growth.”

Business-building events will include speakers, socials, member open houses, business recognition, and mentoring opportunities. Clothing Connections and Dress for Success are key charitable partners.

“We want to support new business owners and women who need assistance,” Sparrow said. “What you see in corporate America is not what you see in entrepreneurship. Membership will benefit business owners and working professionals of all ages, at all stages of life and career, because the focus is on educating and encouraging women.”

Even though members represent different businesses, all business owners face similar challenges. NAWBO-GRRV will be the catalyst to allow business owners and professionals to learn and grow from each other.

Myriad membership levels are offered to women and men, with many “members-only benefits,” but many events will be open to nonmembers.

NAWBO-GRRV intends to unite business owners and professionals with a common mindset and attitude of growth. “It will be a supportive and encouraging place that lifts you up,” Lewis said. “People will leave these events feeling confident and excited. And who can’t use that in their life?” [AWM]

For details on membership and upcoming events, visit nawbogrrv.org/

Women Owned Business in the United States:

• 10.1 million firms are owned by women (50% or more), employing more than 13 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales.

• Three quarters of all women-owned businesses are majority owned by women (51% or more).

• Women-owned firms (50% or more) account for 40% of all privately held firms.

• One in five firms with revenue of $1 million or more is woman-owned.

• 3% of all women-owned firms have revenues of $1 millionr more compared with 6% of men-owned firm.

(Statistics from the Center for Women’s Business Research, 2006. Census information from 2002. Visit www.womensbusinessresearch.org for more information on women owned businesses in the United States.)