August 2024 Newsletter

It’s summertime in Chicago, which means our women business owners are likely slowing down to enjoy a reprieve from the busyness to take in some warm weather and sunshine in the Windy City. So many folks head out on vacations and staycations this time of year. Summer is a time to invest in ourselves and our relationships. As we head into autumn, things will soon ramp up again, with women business owners getting kids ready to go back to schools and universities come September. 

Taking some time off from the daily grind is a great way to invest in our businesses. Yes, indeed, while it may feel frivolous to step away from the business, the universe has a way of using that downtime to our advantage by setting our minds and hearts up for what is to come.

August Member Spotlight - Invest

How are you investing in yourself or your company financially, educationally, with self-care, in the realm of retirement, etc.? Please share if you have seen any successful results from these investments. 

Financially, I allocate funds for expanding our service offerings and enhancing our technology and digital presence to reach a wider audience. Educationally, I regularly attend industry conferences and workshops and participate in many cohorts to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the business world. For self-care, I maintain a healthy work-life balance by engaging in activities like exercising and meditation, which help me manage stress and remain focused. 

Tanessa Lee

Owner

Eaze & Comfort Relocation Services LLC

Time and effort are the most significant investments in starting a business. As a business owner, it becomes too easy to submerse yourself in the business and work long hours. I try to be diligent about keeping a regular schedule, so I am not working 15-hour days. I also like to start my day with a two to three mile walk to clear my head and reflect on the day’s tasks.

Elysia Sepich

Owner

10x Executive Solutions

NAWBO Chicago Board Of Directors Holds Annual Retreat

The newly installed 2024-25 Board of Directors met for their annual retreat on July 31. This day-long event allows the new board members time to get to know each other on a deeper level, share their plans and goals for the chapter and brainstorm ideas for taking NAWBO Chicago above and beyond any previous territory.

Back Row L-R: Director Jeffrey Simon, Executive Director Melissa Lagowski, Director Heather Polcaster, Director Anabel Lopez and Treasurer Lynette DeRose. Front Row L-R: Director Ebony Whitson, Director Lindsey Evans, President Angie Noll, Immediate Past President Cheryl Vargas, Director Letticia Flores-Poole, Director Irene Caminer and Director Courtney Smith.

2024 Summer Social Recap

Last week, NAWBO Chicago members and guests enjoyed cocktails and networked at the annual Summer Social at BMO Tower in Chicago! Thank you to all who attended and made this event fun and inspirational.

The Job Creators Quest Grant is an initiative to launch Founders First Community Development Corporation’s (FFCDC) expansion into new regions by supporting small businesses from diverse backgrounds to scale and impact the ecosystem. The grants are paired with access to one of FFCDC's stellar business accelerator programs. Businesses that are looking to grow and scale their businesses in size, scope and knowledge are encouraged to apply. 

Attend This Webinar During National Black Business Month

Maximize Your Membership In 2024

Join a Mastermind

Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is the same small group of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Activate Your Account

With the new National membership platform, all members need to activate their GrowthZone account. Activation emails are sent from memberservices@nawbo.org.

Please email lora@nawbochicago.org with any questions. 

Get Involved with a Committee

NAWBO Chicago hosts four active committees: Advocacy; Diversity; Membership; and Celebration of Achievement Conference. If you’re interested in joining a committee or would like more information, please contact the office at info@nawbochicago.org.

Attend a Monthly Event

Connects are monthly small-group meetings that allow our members to come together regularly throughout the Chicagoland region. Find future events here.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email September submissions to the newsletter editor by August 23, 2024.