The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is an American business organisation. Founded in 1975, NAWBO has a membership of 14 million women-owned businesses. NAWBO develops programs for women entrepreneurs in the various stages of business growth. As a national membership organization, NAWBO provides women business owners with advocacy, educational programs, and resources aimed at supporting business development and growth.[1]
The NAWBO Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational foundation includes programs like the Circle for $1 million+, WBE/MWBE Certification and Established and Ready to Grow. It also offers online resources.
History
Founded on July 7, 1975, NAWBO is a dues-based national organization representing the interests of women entrepreneurs across all industries.
NAWBO's work over the past 50 years includes:
Creating a national network of chapters, partners, events and recognitions.[citation needed]
Helping pass legislation like H.R. 5050, which granted women business owners the right to obtain business credit in their own name and led to the creation of the Women’s Business Centers and National Women’s Business Council.[citation needed]
Launching the NAWBO Institute, a 501(c)(3) educational foundation that provides programming for women entrepreneurs in business, including the Circle program for top-tier women business owners ($1M+).
Re-launching WBE/MWBE Certification through the Institute, offering an option for women looking to grow their businesses by leveraging their woman-owned status for contracts and other opportunities.[citation needed]
Advocating to define microbusinesses, to help ensure they receive tailored support and resources, especially in accessing capital and procurement opportunities.[citation needed]
In 2023, NAWBO organised its National Women's Business Conference in Austin, Texas, where a dedicated NextGen Forum was introduced for emerging entrepreneurs under 30. [2]
As of 2025, NAWBO reports representing more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States and cites advocacy efforts influencing legislation such as the Women’s Business Ownership Act.[citation needed] NAWBO has chapters in approximately 50 states as well as a virtual membership option for women business owners who are not within 45 miles of a chapter.[citation needed]
Awards
NAWBO's annual Woman Business Owner of the Year Award recognizes a NAWBO entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem solving, innovating, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community. This honor is not based on the size of business, but rather on overall business and community excellence.[citation needed]
The Susan Hager Award recognizes a “champion” NAWBO member who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to propelling women’s economic empowerment and NAWBO’s mission locally and nationally.[citation needed]
The Gillian Rudd Award honors a NAWBO woman business owner who has made a significant contribution to the status and visibility of women-owned firms.[citation needed]
References
↑ "About NAWBO". National Association of Women Business Owners. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
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