NAWBO FAQs
General QuestionsMembership Questions
General Questions
- What is NAWBO?
- What is NAWBO's mission?
- Does NAWBO certify businesses?
- Where can I obtain funding for my business?
- Where can I find statistics on women business owners?
What is NAWBO?
National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) is the voice of America's 10.4 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. With 80 chapters and 9,000 members, NAWBO is the only dues-based organization in the United States that represents women entrepreneurs across all industries. There are chapters of NAWBO in almost every metropolitan area. NAWBO is represented in 33 countries across the world through its affiliation with Les Femmes Chefs d' Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs).
What is NAWBO's mission?
NAWBO works to: 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, and transform public policy and influence opinion makers.
Does NAWBO certify businesses?
NAWBO does not certify women owned businesses. For more information certification, please contact one of the following organizations:
Women's Business Enterprise National Council
Contract Assistance for Women Business Owners (U.S. Small Business Administration)
More government contracting resources
Where can I obtain funding for my business?
NAWBO itself does not provide funding for women starting businesses. The following links lead to helpful resources:
US Department of Labor, Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century
Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence, 212-691-6380
The Official NAWBO/Wells Fargo Women's Loan Program, 1-800-35-WELLS, ext. 120
Wachovia, 800-566-3862
Where can I find statistics on women business owners?
, 202-638-3060
Membership Questions
- How much are annual membership dues?
- Is chapter membership required?
- How can I find a chapter in my area?
- Are there any speaking opportunities at NAWBO?
- How can I start a NAWBO chapter in my area?
- What is my login and password?
- How do I renew online?
- How do I access the Membership Directory?
- Chapter Questions
NAWBO membership dues vary depending on your membership category. Learn more on our Membership Dues page.
Is chapter membership required?
Yes. If there is a chapter within 45 miles of your home or business location, you must become a member of that chapter. NAWBO has chapters in most metropolitan areas. If there is not a chapter in your area, you can join NAWBO as an At-Large member.
How can I find a chapter in my area?
To find out a chapter in your area, go to the NAWBO Chapter Map and click on your state.
Are there any speaking opportunities at NAWBO?
If you would like to speak at the local level, you can contact one of our chapters by going to the NAWBO Chapter Map and then clicking on the state in which you would like to speak in.
How can I start a NAWBO chapter in my area?
To learn more about starting a NAWBO chapter, contact NAWBO at national@nawbo.org and request our Chapter Information Questionnaire.
What is my login and password?
Your login is your first initial + your last name + the last three digits of your Member ID number
Your password is your Member ID number
You can have your login and password emailed to you by filling out this quick form.
How do I renew online?
To renew your membership online please, enter your login and password into the Member Login section. Once you are inside the Member’s Section you will be asked if your contact information is correct. You can bypass updating your information by clicking on “Back to Main Menu” which appears in the center of the frame. When you are on the Main Menu, click on “Open Invoices.” For detailed instructions, visit our Help page.
How do I access the Membership Directory?
To access the Membership Directory, enter your login and password into the Member Login section. When you are on the Main Menu of the Member’s Section click on “Membership Directory” which appears in the center frame. Then fill out your search criteria and press “Query.”
Chapter Questions
How can I start a NAWBO chapter in my area?
To learn more about starting a NAWBO chapter, contact NAWBO at national@nawbo.org and request our Chapter in Formation Questionnaire and our Chapter in Formation FAQ sheet.