Women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately-held companies in the United States.

As of 2004, there are an estimated 10.6 million privately-held women-owned businesses in the United States, accounting for nearly 47.7% of all privately-held firms in the country. These businesses generate $2.46 trillion in sales, employ 19.1 million people nationwide, and spend an estimated $546 billion on salaries and benefits for employees. The number of women-owned businesses grew by 28.1% from 1997 to 2004—three times the growth rate of all US privately-held employer firms.

In Virginia, the Center for Women’s Business Research found that as of 2004, there are an estimated 233,085 privately-held women-owned businesses in Virginia, accounting for 45.7% of all privately-held firms in the state. These businesses generate $46 billion in sales and employ 422,243 people. Between 1997 and 2004, the number of privately-held women-owned businesses in Virginia increased by 16.4%, employment grew by 29.1%, and sales increased by 43.8%. As of 2004, among the 50 states and Washington DC, Virginia ranks 15th in the number of women-owned businesses, 15th in employment, and 19th in sales.

NAWBO in Richmond.

The Richmond chapter of NAWBO has, since 1982, provided a strong voice and vision for women business owners in Central Virginia. Winner of the national “Healthy Chapter Award,” Richmond NAWBO consists of a dynamic, diverse, and powerful group of women entrepreneurs and corporate partners who encourage and enhance the success of their peers through programs designed to:

• Create business opportunities
• Build strategic alliances
• Influence public policy
• Promote leadership within the civic and business community

Please join us.

NAWBO, the National Organization.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. Based in McLean, Virginia, it has more than 8,000 members in nearly 80 chapters in the US and is represented in 35 countries.

In principle and in practice, NAWBO values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership of women business owners regardless of race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. NAWBO’s goal is to represent fully 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.

NAWBO’s strength comes from the diversity of its membership, representing all sizes of businesses, from sole proprietorship to those with hundreds of employees, and all industries, from construction, importers and retailers to service providers, and in all areas of the country. Membership is open to sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners with day-to-day management responsibility.

To learn more about NAWBO, watch our video!