NAWBO - Greater Madison Chapter History
Twelve women business owners in the Washington, DC area started meeting informally in December, 1974 to trade information about federal contracts, bank credit and other issues related to their businesses. Every few weeks the number of women increased and it soon became clear that a formal organization was necessary for this nascent group to develop visibility, political impact and sustained growth.
Leaders emerged and with amazing insight, supporting each other, they set out to open doors. They learned to be politically savvy and discovered the power of unity and of public and media relations.
Recognizing the value of the group, they incorporated as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) on July 7, 1975. Two years later they began recruiting members from across the country, and in 1978 the first chapters were formed.
The Greater Madison Chapter has its roots in the 1980 creation of Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs. Saundra Herre and Emily Hill, both Racine business owners, participated in the White House Conference on Small Business. They returned to Wisconsin convinced that women business owners must work together and support each other.
After the formation as a statewide umbrella organization in 1986, it was incorporated as Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs, Inc. in 1990. Chapters formed throughout the state.
An affiliation agreement was signed with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in June of 1997.
Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs - Southcentral Board of Directors of WWE voted to change the chapter's name to NAWBO Wisconsin - Greater Madison and was chartered as a new NAWBO chapter at the NAWBO National 2001 Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan.
In 2003, NAWBO Wisconsin Inc. developed "Business Builders Roundtable (BBR)," a blueprint for business success. That program is now totally owned and promoted by NAWBO – Greater Madison.
NAWBO - Greater Madison is a proud sponsor, in combination with the Girl Scouts of Blackhawk Council, of GIRLS'BIZ. It is a community program, which empowers middle school girls to start and run their own businesses and spend their profits on a contribution to charity and a group trip.
The NAWBO – Greater Madison Chapter is committed to continued growth in membership, as well as, in pursuit of providing the tools to our members to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
For key NAWBO National history, go to our National website at www.nawbo.org.