There are in the United States 113,000 women-owned firms with $1 million or more in revenue, according to the Center for Women’s Business Research, founded as the National Foundation for Women Business Owners, in Washington D.C.
That’s up from 112,712 the previous year.
These companies employ an average of 1.3 workers per firm. Not only do the businesses benefit, so do the communities in which they operate, through additional jobs and tax income.
In Columbus, a number of organizations support women in business, including the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. On July 11, NAWBO honored three women for their contributions to the area’s business environment.
Would these women have succeeded without the benefit of this organization and others? Undoubtedly, after hearing each woman’s story, I feel they would have — but on their road to success, they may have faced much greater obstacles.
NAWBO and similar organizations serve many roles. Not only can women network with other business owners to help them through the business and family issues associated with proprietorship, but they can form new partnerships, gain valuable insights into what can work for them and serve as role models for our children as they enter the business world.
SBN has been a proud sponsor of the NAWBO Visionary Award event for the past five years. This year our coverage, beginning on page 25, includes photos and biographies of each winner.
While it might seem that the number of associations and professional organizations is growing to epidemic proportions, NAWBO and others that help support women in business provide a valuable service to us all.
