Click on the + sign in the list to the right to reveal answers to each question.
1. What is NAWBO?
In 1975, a group of a dozen like-minded businesswomen in the D.C. area gathered to share information and create an atmosphere of professional community to further and strengthen their entrepreneurial interests. That group quickly grew to become what is now known as the National Association of Women Business Owners. More than 35 years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. NAWBO has expanded across the United States, boasting a chapter in nearly every major metropolitan area. Through its affiliation with Les Femmes Chefs d’Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs), NAWBO’s global reach extends to 60 countries on five continents worldwide.
2. What is NAWBO's mission?
NAWBO’s mission is to:
- strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development;
- create innovative and effective change in the business culture;
- build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations;
- and transform public policy and influence opinion makers.
3. How much are annual membership dues?
NAWBO membership dues vary depending on your membership category. To learn more about dues click here.
4. How do I renew my membership online?
NAWBO National handles the renewal process and members are highly encouraged to submit their renewal payment online via National’s website. To renew your membership online follow these steps:
- Visit NAWBO National’s website at http://www.nawbo.org/.
- Enter your login and password on the Member Login section on National’s website: https://www.nawbo.org/user/login
- Confirm contact information is accurate. [Bypass this step by clicking on “Back to Main Menu.”]
- On the Main Menu, click on “Open Invoices.”
If you prefer to submit a check payment, please mail checks, made payable to NAWBO, to:
NAWBO
P.O. Box 826157
Philadelphia, PA 19182-6157
5. How will I know when it is time to renew my membership?
Renewal notifications are processed by NAWBO National 30 days prior to your renewal date.
6. What is my login and password for National's website?
Your username and password should have been mailed and/or emailed to you upon registration. Unless you changed it, your username for NAWBO National’s website is your first initial + last name + the last three digits of your Member ID number. Your password is your Member ID number. You can have your username and password emailed to you by completing this quick form.
7. How do I submit a non-dues payment?
For non-dues payments, NAWBO-Indianapolis accepts cash, check or credit cards.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: To submit credit card payments online, click here. Please provide a brief description for what it is you are submitting payment.
CHECK PAYMENTS: To pay by check, make checks payable to NAWBO-Indianapolis and mail to: 101 W. Ohio Street, Ste. 1580, Indianapolis, IN 46204. On your check, please provide a brief description in the Memo field for what it is you are submitting payment.
CASH PAYMENTS: Other than event on-site payments, cash payments are accepted ONLY in person at the NAWBO-Indy office. For membership dues payment information, refer to questions #3 or #4.
8. How do I access the National member directory?
To access the National member directory follow these steps:
- Enter your login and password into the Member Login section on the National website: https://www.nawbo.org/user/login
- On the Main Menu of the Member Section click on “Membership Directory.”
- Complete search criteria and press “Query.”
9. What are the benefits of becoming a woman-certified business and how do I qualify?
Becoming woman-certified puts you into a better position to bid for contracts from major corporations and government agencies. It’s a marketing tool that can help get you business in the form of “set asides”—that is, a percentage of contract awards earmarked for diversity suppliers. The work can be awarded directly to you (Tier 1) or you can be a subcontractor to other companies that secure such contracts (Tier 2). Different kinds of certifications are awarded by a variety of private organizations and public agencies, such as your city government. Usually, you can apply only if your firm is at least 51 percent woman-owned and managed.
10. Does NAWBO certify businesses?
No, NAWBO does not certify businesses nor require its members to be certified. However, you may find more information on certification via the links below.
- Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) – City of Indianapolis
- Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) – State of Indiana
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – City of Indianapolis
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – State of Indiana
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- SBA 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
To view more resources, visit NAWBO’s website.
11. Once I submit my application what event rate do I pay?
New applicants’ membership status is considered PENDING until the process is complete; therefore, new applicants must pay the non-member rate to attend the events.
12. How can I obtain funding for my business?
NAWBO itself does not provide funding for women starting businesses. However, the following organizations are helpful resources:
13. Where can I find statistics on women business owners?
The go-to source on the trends, characteristics, achievements and challenges of women business owners and their enterprises is the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership.
14. Can anyone attend a NAWBO-Indianapolis event?
Yes! NAWBO-Indianapolis welcomes everyone to its non-exclusive events. If you are a non-member and would like to attend our Quarterly Luncheon Meeting, you may do so at the non-member rate of $60. For your convenience, you can register and pay online. Payment must be received prior to the luncheon.
15. What is your membership approval process?
Once a Membership Application is received, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from NAWBO National. The completion process should take no longer than 15 business days.
16. How can I receive information on NAWBO-Indianapolis?
If you would like to receive more information about NAWBO-Indianapolis, just join our e-distribution list at the bottom of this page!
17. Can I take photographs or video at NAWBO-Indianapolis events?
Only if designated to do so. In 2009, the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors adopted a policy that limits the ability to take photographs or video at NAWBO-Indianapolis events. The policy limits the ability to take photographs or video at NAWBO-Indianapolis events to the following:
- Individuals retained, with or without compensation, by NAWBO-Indianapolis and designated as NAWBO-Indianapolis’ official photographer for the event.
- The NAWBO-Indianapolis Executive Director, Chapter Administrator, or any other paid employee of NAWBO-Indianapolis.
- Family members and friends of award recipients.
- All other individuals are not allowed to take photographs or video at NAWBO-Indianapolis events.
Anyone found violating this policy will be asked to leave the event at which the violation occurred. Continued violations may result in the individual being prohibited from attending NAWBO-Indianapolis events and, if violations continue, a rescission of membership.