October 2026 Newsletter

Every business starts with a spark.

An idea you could not shake. A problem you knew you could solve better. The moment you decided to stop building someone else's dream and start building your own.

But a spark on its own does not last. Anyone who has built a campfire knows that. A spark needs fuel, it needs air and it needs someone paying attention to it. Leave it alone and it fades.

Businesses work the same way.

Small Business Community Speaks Out: SBA Extends Comment Period on Size Standards

For those of you who spoke up, thank you! The Small Business Administration extended the deadline to comment on the Small Business Size Standards to November 20, 2026. Notice here. If you did not have the opportunity to comment prior to the deadline, you can submit comments here. 

Background: In August, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its small business size standards. As stated by the SBA in the proposed rule, “the new standards would simplify industry categorization and raise applicable size thresholds, allowing small but rapidly growing firms to continue qualifying and adding over 110,000 firms to the 36 million small businesses in America.” The rules, if finalized as drafted, would change how "small" is defined for federal contracting, SBA lending, and every socioeconomic program built on top of small business status, including the WOSB and EDWOSB programs. The comment period now runs through November 20, 2026.

Celebrating Kendra Wander’s Future Leader In Travel Recognition

Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago member Kendra Wander, founder of Never Settle Travels, on being selected as a Future Leader in Travel by Northstar Travel Group!

Kendra is one of only 75 travel advisors worldwide selected for this recognition, which celebrates emerging leaders making an impact through their business, leadership and contributions to the travel industry.



We’re proud to celebrate Kendra’s achievement and her continued success as a member of NAWBO Chicago!

Second Tuesday Morning Connects

Building Financial Resiliency

October 13

8:30 - 10 am



What would greater financial resilience mean for your business? Discover strategies to strengthen your financial foundation, prepare for the unexpected, navigate changing conditions and make confident decisions that position your business for long-term success.

• How to build short-term cash reserves

• How to strengthen the foundation of your business

 • Leveraging work capital for cashflow needs

Let’s Lunch: Connecting Women In Business

Join NAWBO Chicago for Let’s Lunch, an opportunity to connect, network and build relationships with fellow women business owners and members of our community. Enjoy lunch while meeting new people, expanding your network and strengthening connections within NAWBO Chicago.

NAWBO Chicago Holiday Celebration

Celebrate the season with NAWBO Chicago! Join fellow women business leaders for an evening of festive cheer, meaningful connections, and holiday fun. Come together to celebrate our community, reflect on the year, and toast to an exciting year ahead.

Sponsored by:

Bidding For A Cause: Holiday Silent Auction

New this year to the NAWBO Chicago Holiday Party: a Silent Auction! We’re seeking donated products, services, experiences or gift baskets to help support NAWBO Chicago and make our celebration extra special. 

When women support women, we all rise. By donating to the Silent Auction, you’re doing more than contributing an item - you’re investing in a community that helps women business owners build connections, gain visibility, access resources and grow their businesses. It’s women showing up for women, and every contribution helps make our collective impact stronger.

Have a product, service or experience you’d love to showcase? Donate to the Silent Auction and put your business in front of an engaged community of women business owners while helping NAWBO Chicago continue its work on their behalf.

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

Your response will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate to better understand how our members support our sponsor community.

Illinois Employers: New Paid Jury Duty Leave Requirement

Starting January 1, 2027, Illinois employers with more than 25 employees must provide regular pay to employees serving on jury duty. Employers should review their jury-duty, payroll and employee handbook policies now to ensure they’re prepared for the new requirement and continue to meet existing notice and anti-retaliation protections.

Take the Small Business Credit Survey

Small business owners are invited to participate in the Federal Reserve’s annual Small Business Credit Survey. Share your experiences with business conditions, challenges and access to financing to help inform research and better understand the needs of small businesses nationwide.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email November submissions to the newsletter editor by October 16, 2026.