Business Owner, Your Voice Is Your Strength

June 2021 Newsletter

A Message From Our President

Elizabeth Colón

NAWBO Chicago Board President

Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions, LLC

It’s June, which means summer is finally here!

I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to finally get to spend some time outside with my loved ones!

As I look ahead at the summer months, I think back to my theme for this NAWBO chapter: Stronger Together. I chose this as our theme because I strongly believe in the power of community, and I believe that if we do things together, we’ll always come out ahead.

Membership Insights: #NAWBO Voice

NAWBO Chicago was founded on advocacy. Please tell us why you think it is paramount for female business owners to lift up their voices and advocate for themselves.

Some women may wonder why they should advocate for themselves or whether doing so is even necessary. The truth is that the more women speak up and advocate for themselves, the easier it will be to achieve their goals. I grew up in Bali with a cultural mindset that women don't need to advocate for themselves. That served me alright until I chose to start my business a decade ago.

Ari Krzyzek

Chykalophia

It is imperative that female business owners use their voice as the powerful tool that it is to advocate for resources, legislation and themselves. We know the obstacles in our paths and our weak spots, and we know where we need support; asking for and getting that support makes our businesses stronger.

Gina Lipscomb

RJ Lipscomb Engineering Inc.

As a working professional in a variety of roles for over half my life, a business owner for nearly a decade, and mom of a young daughter, I have learned that self-advocacy is key for all areas of our respective journeys – but most importantly as a woman owning and managing a small business. Advocacy, in general, wasn’t something that came natural to me growing up.

Melissa McAtee

elbe creative partners

Gender inequality is very real and prevalent in all sectors of society, especially in the economic and political arena. Women are often disproportionately represented, missing out on being economically, socially and politically impactful in society. For women in business to break through societal limitations, they must advocate for themselves in solidarity.

Isoken Ogbomo

In-Home Caregivers of Illinois

I believe it’s important for women in business to advocate for themselves because, unfortunately, there are still inequalities based across gender identity lines. By advocating for yourself, you ensure that others aren’t speaking for you, and that your specific (and oftentimes intersectional) needs are heard.

Maren Rosenberg

Chicago's Original Escape Games

Meet the Board: Laura Barker

Director at Large, NAWBO Chicago

Vice President, CFO, COO - BridgePoint Technologies

I hope to contribute to NAWBO during my term as a board member by continuing to get the word out on this amazing organization that supports and provides a sisterhood for women business owners. Getting the word out consists of hosting meetings, attending chapter events and actively discussing the organization with individuals and businesses to foster awareness and growth.

Read more to learn about Laura's advice to women business owners and the NAWBO community and how she works through her toughest problems for her business.

Join Us for the NAWBO Chicago Annual Meeting

Join NAWBO Chicago for the Annual Meeting on June 23rd at 4:30 pm! We invite all women business owners to join us as we celebrate the dynamic leadership team of NAWBO Chicago for 2021-2022. We will recognize the hard work of the past year's board and learn about upcoming initiatives during our virtual event.

New Criteria for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - Applications Due Friday

Friday, June 4th is the deadline to submit your application to join the Fall Cohort for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. They are looking for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities, and generally meet these criteria:

Owner or co-owner of a business
Business in operation for at least two years
Business revenues of at least $100,000 in the most recent fiscal year (may be less for certain minority owned businesses)
Minimum of 2 employees (including the owner)

Mention that NAWBO Chicago was your referral! If you have any questions, please reach out to Melissa at [email protected]. To submit an application, click here.

Members in the News

Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago Members, Terri Evans, Mary Aregoni, Maya-Camille Broussard and Elizabeth Colon, for being Finalists of the 2021 Job Creators Quest Grant - Chicago from Founders First CDC. Learn more here.

Advocacy Update

New advocacy updates are posted on the NAWBO Chicago Advocacy Page. Read more to learn about administrative announcements and meetings, grants, tax credits and upcoming hearings

Maximize Your Membership

Whether a solopreneur or a million-dollar business, NAWBO Chicago gives women-owned businesses of all levels the resources and support needed to help them grow and thrive. A NAWBO Chicago membership offers the power and benefits of an established community of women entrepreneurs.

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.

Update Your Profile

Your profile is how you are represented to other members. By including details about your business, your interests and yourself, you have a better opportunity to be seen. Click here to update.

Get Involved with a Committee

NAWBO Chicago hosts five active committees: Advocacy, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Marketing, Membership and Celebration of Achievement Conference. Please find the descriptions and committee leaders here.

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.