You go girl! If you are a women-fronted business and are looking to expand your network, there are numerous business associations in existence working to empower women entrepreneurs. We’ve rounded up our favorites for you to check out.
American Business Women’s Association
Mission: “The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.”
Membership Benefits: The organization hosts over 5,000 meetings across the nation, providing attendees with useful business information and networking opportunities. Members can connect online with people across the country. They also get the Women in Business Magazine and can save money on certain business products and services through the organization’s member discounts.
Membership Costs: $115 for the year
Website: http://www.abwa.org/pages/home-page
National Association of Women Business Owners
Mission: “The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by:
● Strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community
● Creating innovative and effective change in the business culture
● Building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations
● Transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers”
Membership Benefits: This is the largest dues-paying organization for female entrepreneurs. Members get access to the national and local resources, including leadership development, business growth resources, and networking. They also get exclusive access to the website, which offers many unique tools and resources. This includes a directory, making it easy to connect with other members. Members also get discounts on various business resources.
Membership Costs: $100 initial fee and then $19.95, $29.95, or $39.95 per month (depending on the level of membership you want)
Website: https://www.nawbo.org/
Ellevate Network
Mission: “Ellevate Network believes in the positive impact of women in business. Our mission is to help women advance in the workplace, both for themselves and the greater good. We strive to change the culture of business from the inside out – by investing in women.”
Membership Benefits: Membership is broken down into four areas depending on where you are at in your career: emerging, achiever, entrepreneur, and executive council. Everyone gets the community networking and education benefits, but there are tailored resources depending on the membership.
Membership Costs: $120 for a year if paid monthly or $100 a year paid upfront.
Website: https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/
eWomen Network
Mission: “Guide and help one million women entrepreneurs generate one million dollars in annual revenue.”
Membership Benefits: This organization is geared towards helping you grow your business by improving your marketing and gaining new customers. Members can network with their unique community (95% of which are presidents and CEOS of their own businesses). Members also get discounts for business related products and services. They can also watch a monthly show packed full of strategies and ideas for growing your business.
Membership Costs: You can get access to content for free. The actual membership includes a $357 initial fee followed by $19.95 monthly membership.
Website: https://ewomennetwork.com/
Paying any of your hard earned cash can be tough, but think of it as an investment in your business and yourself. Why waste time, money, and effort going through trial and error when you can gain insight and wisdom from women who have already gone through the process? Investing in a women’s business association can reap professional rewards, easily recouping the initial cost. Your career is worth the investment!