Networking and Other Useful Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
Today I thought I would try to summarize some of the networking and other resources especially (although not necessarily exclusively) available to women who own their own business.  Because I have been active in several of these organizations in Central Ohio, I want to particularly highlight some opportunties available locally. If you know of others that should be included, please comment to this post.Â
Women's Presidents' Organization (WPO) - a national organization with two local chapters in Central Ohio. Membership is limited to companies with annual revenues of at least $2 million (or $1 million in the case of service-based businesses). Chapter membership is limited in number and chapter members enjoy the benefits of an unofficial advisory board composed of other chapter members and a facilitator.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - a national organization with a local Columbus chapter luncheon meeting on the second Thursday of each month. Membership is open to any woman having at least a 5% ownership stake in a company.  Each July, NAWBO presents its Visionary Awards to local women exemplifying business success. (Click here for information about past winners.) In addition, the Athena PowerLink program provides one recipient each year with a volunteer advisory board consisting of professionals such as lawyers and CPAs.
Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) - Columbus-based organization entering its fifth year of existence which is dedicated to providing women with the tools and opportunities for growth and development economically and in the leadership of civic, community, and business organizations. Meets monthly for breakfast or dinner on the second Wednesday of every month. Distributes a Women You Should Know calendar annually highlighting women in the Central Ohio area who have demonstrated leadership qualities, but are not as well known as their achievements should warrant. Annual keynote event featuring a national speaker each May.
Business and Professional Women (BPW) - a national organization with a local Columbus chapter meeting on the second Thursday of each month. Mission is to achieve equity for women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information.
eWomen Network - national networking organization for women with a local Columbus chapter. I haven't been to any meetings of this group, but I've heard good reports.Â
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - National organization offering the opportunity for qualified women-owned businesses to be certified as a WBE (Woman's Business Enterprise) by completing a lengthy application. WBE certification is probably most useful for companies wishing to contract with major national companies with diversity initiatives. Â
Women's Initiative for Successful Enterprising (WISE Women) - local educational series offered by Columbus State and the Ohio Small Business Development Centers dedicated to empowering and strengthening the business growth efforts of all women business owners by meeting them at their growth level need.
And finally, mainly because it's a lot of fun in addition to being a helpful resource for gaining a skill useful in the business world.....
Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) - Consists of more than 20,000 members in 120 local chapters across the United States and Canada dedicated to providing opportunities for women to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. The Columbus Chapter holds its opening Kickoff event of the season on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 beginning at 6 PM at the Dublin Marriott near Tuttle Crossing Mall.   The organization has activities for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitition. If you've ever thought about trying golf out for business or just for fun, come to the free Kickoff reception and see what it's all about.Â
>> Various industries may also have various networking groups available to women. And there may certainly be other organizations of which I am not aware. But these are the ones I've tried and found useful.  Â
