DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In principle and in practice the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership. NAWBO shall seek full participation in the organization by all women business owners regardless of race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. NAWBO's goal is to fully represent the diverse make-up of the women business owner community through increased representation within ethnic and minority communities and to expand access to leadership opportunities.

WHO WE ARE

WHO IS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS? (NAWBO.ORG)?

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is America's only dues-based organization to represent the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. With headquarters in Washington DC, and over 80 chapters countrywide, our organization supports and empowers women business owners across the nation. NAWBO is affiliated with Les Femmes Chefs d'Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) in 33 countries.

NAWBO traces its origins to a small group of Washington DC business women who began meeting informally in the spring of 1974 to talk about mutual experiences, exchange information, and develop business skills. Recognizing the value of the group, they incorporated as the National Association of Women Business Owners on July 7, 1975. Two years later they began recruiting members from across the country, and in 1978 the first chapters were formed.

NAWBO members own diverse companies, including manufacturing, construction, agribusiness, energy retail, technology, high tech, life sciences, biotechnology, transportation, health and professional services.

In 2015, NAWBO will celebrate its 40 year Anniversary in helping women to grow and propel their businesses.

WHO IS NAWBO-CALIFORNIA?

NAWBO California represents the issues and interests of more than 1.3 million women business owners in the state. California ranks No. 1 nationally in the number of woman-owned firms, number of employees (1.9 million) and revenues generated ($318.2 billion annually).

NAWBO-California is a federation of 10 California Chapters: Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Inland Empire, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. (www.NAWBO-CA.org) It concentrates on statewide legislative action issues and corporate relations, and supports the growth of chapter membership through education, marketing and public relations at the local level.

WHO IS NAWBO-SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA?

NAWBO-San Francisco Bay Area (NAWBO-SFBA) is a powerful and influential organization whose contingency embodies the more than 117,000 women business owners of the Bay Area. NAWBO-SFBA is the go-to resource for education, inspiration, political advocacy, partnerships, networking and community for women that want to grow their businesses, be more successful and empower others.

Formed in 1987, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NAWBO has over 125 members from San Francisco, Marin, Oakland/East Bay, and the Peninsula. The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is the fastest growing chapter and recently recognized by NAWBO National for having the most new members during the 2013 and 2014 annual Membership Drive. NAWBO-SFBA members own diverse companies, including manufacturing, construction, agribusiness, energy, retail, technology, high tech, life sciences, biotechnology, transportation, health and professional services. NAWBO-SFBA members represent the healthy and diverse economy of women business owners with business incomes varying from less than $100K to over $30M.