September 2026 Newsletter | | Message From Our President | | | | |
There is a quiet myth in business that great work speaks for itself.
It does not. Great work sits in a spreadsheet, a project folder, an inbox nobody scrolls back far enough to find, unless someone says it out loud.
I meet women constantly who have built something extraordinary and mentioned it to almost no one. The client they saved. The system they fixed. The year they doubled. They will tell you about it if you ask the right question, but they will not lead with it. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that talking about our own success was a little too close to bragging.
| | September Member Spotlight - Visibility | | What’s one thing you’re doing this year to make your business more visible? | | | | |
A bill shows up, you wince, you pay it, you move on. We all do it, even those of us who run businesses. At my tax firm I watched successful people overpay on their homes for years, because the systems behind a home are invisible: property taxes, exemptions, insurance, mortgage insurance, energy costs. You can't see how they're calculated, so you can't see what you're owed.
It changed my career. I built software to solve my own firm's problems, then studied until I could build AI myself.
Aliyah Kizilbash
Founder
TaxBack
| | Tap Into Visibility Opportunities With NAWBO HQ Right Now | | Mark Your Calenders....We Are Bringing Connects Back! | | |
We’re excited to bring back NAWBO Chicago’s Connects Series—a space for women business owners to build relationships, share ideas and strengthen their professional networks. Join us on the second Tuesday of every month from 8:30 – 10:00 am for engaging conversations, meaningful connections and the opportunity to grow alongside fellow entrepreneurs.
This month we have our very own, Aliyah Kizilbash, presenting, "AI, You & Your Business".
Learn how to use AI, not just which buttons to press. We’ll cover how it thinks, privacy, prompting, business tools, and how personal AI fluency translates into better business decisions.
| | The 5 New Rules For Getting Found Online-And How AI Can Help | | |
When someone is searching online for you, are you showing up? The world of Google is changing dramatically, and suddenly, overnight, what used to work, isn't working anymore.
Thryv will reveal what Google and ChatGPT are really looking for when they recommend someone. Then you can figure out how you can control what happens to make sure you are the one that gets chosen and promoted. Don't get overwhelmed by the new shift, since there are ways to put AI to work for you and get the online attention you deserve.
| | Celebrating 40 Years Of WBDC | | | | |
NAWBO Chicago extends our warmest congratulations to the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) on 40 years of empowering entrepreneurs and advancing women-owned businesses.
For four decades, WBDC has been a trusted leader in providing resources, education, connections and opportunities that help women entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive. Their lasting impact on Chicago’s business community and beyond is truly something to celebrate.
We are proud to recognize this incredible milestone and the countless women entrepreneurs whose journeys have been strengthened by WBDC’s work.
| | | Save The Date: 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit | | Mark your calendar for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit on Thursday, September 24, at Malcolm X College. Hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), this free event offers small businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors and consultants the opportunity to connect with government agencies, prime contractors and business development resources. With educational sessions, networking opportunities and more than 55 exhibitors, it's a great opportunity to grow your network and discover new contracting opportunities. | | Experience It All With The NAWBO Chicago Season Pass! | | |
Make the most of your year with NAWBO Chicago! The Season Pass gives you one easy way to experience a full year of connection, inspiration, learning and community.
From Socials and Luncheons to Women Mean Business, Meet the Board, our Holiday Party and more, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow women business leaders and grow your NAWBO Chicago experience.
| | Join the Community Behind Women-Owned Businesses | | | | |
Join NAWBO Chicago and become part of a powerful community of women business owners. Build connections, discover new opportunities, and access resources designed to help your business thrive.
Save $75 on membership through October 31!
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| Which financial institution do you primarily use for your business banking? | | | Your response will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate to better understand how our members support our sponsor community. | | |
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email October submissions to the newsletter editor by September 18, 2026.
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