September 2024 Newsletter

As the summer draws to a close and we head into autumn, it’s time to get back to a more consistent schedule and planning for the yearend and into 2025. I love this time of year when, as Tom Hanks’ character, Joe, writes to Meg Ryan’s character, Kathleen, in the movie, You’ve Got Mail: “It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” I share Tom Hanks’ enthusiasm from that movie for the autumnal season, as this time of year brings out my organizational and planning skills. Right now, I am busy planning out which of our team projects we will be able to finish by yearend and which need to be prioritized differently.

September Member Spotlight - Collaborate

What strategies have you found most effective in building successful collaborations in your woman owned business, and how have these partnerships contributed to your company’s growth?

The Retro Grill is a casual dining restaurant that is community centered. The community has embraced and supported my business for many years. As a restaurateur, I accept every opportunity to give back and participate in product collaboration, community events, networking and mentoring. One example is a product collaboration with one of my sauces, which is made from locally sourced ingredients and developed in a woman-owned small business. Her sauces are an added ingredient to my products. Through our collaboration, I have sold over 30,000 burgers with rave reviews. My overall strategy is networking. It is important that I make connections within every area of my business model because I know it is vital to my success.

Ebony Crump

Owner

The Retro Grill

• Role in NAWBO Chicago: Co-leader of Chicago Connects and Co-Chair of the DEI Committee
• Years in Business: 6
• Company Location: Plainfield, Illinois
• Coffee Order: Regular hot coffee with extra cream and extra sugar
• Dream Vacation: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Why did you join NAWBO Chicago and what has been your experience belonging to the organization?

I joined NAWBO Chicago to meet like-minded business women, develop and foster professional relationships and grow my business.

What is your favorite NAWBO Chicago event and why?

My favorite event is the Summer Social. It’s fun, engaging and a way to meet new people.

Qiana Turner

Madison Elyse Events

The NAWBO Fall Membership Drive Is Live!

NAWBO has been powering the dreams of our nation’s women business owners for 50 years. Being a part of NAWBO allows them to connect with a community of like-minded women who “get” it. Advocating around bipartisan business issues that impact their success. Giving them opportunities for their unique voice to be heard. And so much more.

Did you know that NAWBO Chicago Premier level members can join a Mastermind group and connect with other female entrepreneurs? This is a $2,000 value included in the price of a Premier membership. This is a great membership perk for women business owners to have safe, confidential conversations each month with the same group of people. Mastermind members can share challenges, receive advice and feedback and offer encouragement or another perspective to each other. This is a space if you want to level up as a WBO and take your team and your company many steps forward.

Join NAWBO Chicago today and see for yourself all the benefits that come with a membership to the region’s largest organization serving women business owners.

NAWBO is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, so join now and save $50 off the new member initiation fee. Be sure to share this opportunity with a woman business owner who has not yet joined.

Small Business Owners Community Conference

October 16-17, 2024

Hosted by The Small Business Owners Community (SBOC) at Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee

Ever felt stuck between wanting to scale your business and not knowing the next step? Wouldn’t it be great if you had a room of 300 people who “get it” and are addressing the real challenges small business owners face in the “messy middle” of growth?

That’s exactly what Pat Miller of the Small Business Owners Community is putting together in that room October 16-17 in Milwaukee. The mission of the Small Business Owner Community Conference is to get small business owners together so they Don’t Grow It Alone ®.

NAWBO Chicago members can use the code NAWBOMEMBER to save $50 off registration. Learn more about the conference and purchase tickets at the link below.

On September 8, NAWBO and award sponsor, Bank of America, will open nominations for the 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award. This award recognizes overall business excellence—an entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem-solving, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community. Visit the link below for award criteria and more information.

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 an intimate consortium 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 October submissions to the newsletter editor by September 20, 2024.