May 2025 Newsletter

Message From Our President

If last month’s Women Mean Business® conference taught us anything, it’s this: we are a community that knows how to ELEVATE.

We gathered with passion, purpose and a whole lot of power—and we made business happen! From inspiring stories to bold advocacy and practical strategies, we walked away stronger, smarter and more connected.

May Member Spotlight - Elevate

How are you working to elevate your business, your team and your leadership as a woman business owner — and what does that word mean to you in your journey as a female entrepreneur?

As the female owner of the creative business, Eclectik Design, I’m committed to elevating my work and leadership from the inside out. A single business has the power to truly transform someone’s life, and I believe that we are all deeply interconnected. That’s why I love helping women business owners elevate their visual brand, whether they’re just getting started or taking it to the next level. When their brand reflects their true selves, they create deeper, more meaningful connections — not just as professionals, but as people.

Erin Kelly Herrera

Owner

Eclectik Design

When I hear the word elevate I think of a move to a higher position and one of more importance; to step out of your comfort zone to learn and challenge yourself to grow. The way that I have been elevating my company and team is in different manners. To start, I call my staff my team. I create an environment where everyone understands they are important to the whole to make us all successful.

Valerie Roberts

Owner and Senior Managing Director

Lamoine Property Management Co.

Conference Photos Are Now Available For Viewing & Purchase

The Women Mean Business® photos by Lori Sapio Photography are available for viewing and purchase. The gallery password is: N@wbO

Use code LSD40 for 40% off of images and prints.

More conference photos will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

VIEW PHOTOS

Individual Donations Make A Huge Impact At The Conference

Did you know that the Women Mean Business® conference also serves as NAWBO Chicago's only annual fundraiser?

Money raised from the event allows an entire year's worth of programming for female entrepreneurs.

The donation page is still accepting donations. Individual contributions make a huge impact on the chapter and its membership.

DONATE

Members In The News

NAWBO Chicago Past President and Founding Partner at Advitam IP, Michele Katz, appeared on WGN Radio 720 to discuss what to do when you post an image that is copyright protected. Michele also explains the difference between a copyright, a patent and a trademark.

LISTEN

It's Small Business Week - Check Out These Opportunities

It's Small Business Week in Chicago and the city's office of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections is offering free educational webinars:

May 8 at 10:00 am: Steps to Obtain a Business License presented by BACP
May 9 at 9:30 am: Small Business Development Grants presented by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development

Calling All Food & Beverage Business Owners - Deadline is 5/12

The NAWBO Established and Ready to Grow Entrepreneurship Program—sponsored by Stacy’s Pita Chips—aims to engage 40 business owners preferably in the food and beverage industry and seeks to give them the framework to grow. This opportunity is presented through the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development at no-cost to cohort participants thanks to our valued sponsors.

Requirements:

You have been in operation for two years or more.
You plan to expand locations, offerings or hire a team in the next year.
Your business had a 2024 annual revenue over $150,000.
You are able to participate in the weekly, one-hour virtual sessions, plus bi-weekly growth challenge assignments June-August.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email June submissions to the newsletter editor by May 23, 2025.

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