NAWBO: Powering Dreams, Leading Change

For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) has stood as a pillar for women entrepreneurs determined to leave a lasting impact on business, leadership, and legislation. What began as a small, determined group of women in 1975 has grown into a national movement — one that continues to shape economic opportunities for millions.

Today, NAWBO serves as a powerful advocate, offering women business owners a seat at tables they once had to fight to enter. From influencing public policy to creating strategic resources for growth, NAWBO understands that when women build businesses, they also build communities, industries, and legacies.

The momentum continues in a historic way. From June 5–8, 2025, NAWBO will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. with a special gathering titled 50 Years of Powering Dreams. The event is open to both members and non-members, providing a rare opportunity to network with leaders, attend curated workshops, and hear from keynote speakers such as Ashley Judd and Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall. Special session speakers, including Vicky Pasche and former WNBA player Sonia Chase, will bring dynamic conversations on leadership, growth, and innovation to the forefront.

Learn more about the event and register at nawbo.org.

Beyond celebrations, NAWBO is committed to creating tangible pathways for women-owned businesses to scale. Through the NAWBO Institute Certification program, women entrepreneurs can become officially certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) or Minority Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE). These certifications aren’t just titles — they are recognized tools that open doors to corporate contracts, government opportunities, and high-value business relationships.

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Designed uniquely by women business owners for women business owners, the NAWBO certification process provides both education and advocacy, ensuring that women founders have the credibility and resources needed to grow.

With partnerships including Google Digital Coaches, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the University of Maryland College Park, NAWBO’s reach continues to expand across the country and internationally. Workshops, programs, and advocacy initiatives are currently active in Washington D.C., Maryland, California, Canada, North Carolina, New York, Georgia, and Pennsylvania — with new cities like St. Louis and Dallas joining the movement in 2025.

From pioneering access to capital in the 1980s to championing diversity and growth today, NAWBO’s legacy remains rooted in a simple but powerful truth: When women lead, economies thrive.

To learn more about membership, certification, or upcoming events, visit nawbo.org.