Now, more than ever, supporting women-owned businesses is not just the right thing to do — it’s essential for driving economic growth, innovation, and a more inclusive future. As DEI initiatives face increasing challenges, women entrepreneurs continue to push forward, creating jobs, fostering community development, and leading industries with resilience and creativity. However, they can’t do it alone.

YOU can make an impact by funding women entrepreneurs and ensuring that leadership opportunities remain accessible to women. When we invest in women, we invest in stronger communities, more competitive businesses and a more equitable economy. In times of uncertainty, our collective support matters more than ever — let’s not just talk about progress, let’s take action to ensure it continues

Women-owned businesses are a vital and growing force in the U.S. economy. As of 2024, there are over 14 million women-owned businesses, representing 39.1% of all U.S. businesses. These enterprises employ approximately 12.2 million workers and generate $2.7 trillion in revenue.
The growth rate of women-owned businesses has been remarkable, outpacing that of their male counterparts. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of women-owned businesses increased at nearly double the rate of those owned by men. Notably, from 2022 to 2023, this growth rate accelerated to 4.5 times that of male-owned businesses.
Women of color have been instrumental in this expansion, accounting for 50% of all women-owned businesses. Between 2014 and 2019, firms owned by women of color grew by an impressive 43%, compared to a 21% increase for all women-owned businesses during the same period.

These are all amazing stats, but the one that troubles us is that only 1.9% of women business owners reach $1 million in revenue and beyond. NAWBO Chicago is working to change that number, but we need your help! Every contribution to NAWBO Chicago will be invested to help female entrepreneurs in our region reach higher! Thank you for your bid and your support!

NAWBO celebrates the courageous founders who joined to remove obstacles and create opportunities for other women entrepreneurs across the country. Today, NAWBO boasts 5,000 members and 60 chapters nationwide. It is the only member organization representing women entrepreneurs in all sectors, sizes, and stages of their business development. The Chicago Chapter is the largest NAWBO group in the country.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of America's more than 14 million women-owned businesses, representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries. NAWBO develops programs that help navigate women entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business growth. For more information about NAWBO Chicago, visit nawbo.org/chicago.

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