A Message From Our President |
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It is hard to believe it’s already November. The year has flown by so quickly and fall has certainly arrived to deliver on its promise – the leaves, the temperatures, the hours of daylight. I am so happy to have just returned from NAWBO’s National Women’s Business Conference in Louisville, and I can’t tell you how nice it was to see 400+ women business owners in person. It was electrifying! If you can attend the next NAWBO WBC, you will find it’s filled with inspiring women attendees and speakers. We heard from two great keynote speakers: Molly Bloom (the Poker Princess) and Magie Cook, who sold her salsa business to Campbell’s for $231 million. These two women were worth the trip alone. We’re also proud that NAWBO Chicago was one of six “Chapter of the Year” finalists, and while the Cleveland chapter took home that award, Chicago still is the largest chapter in the country. |
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Membership Spotlight: Gratitude |
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As a woman business owner, what are you grateful for this past year? What took place within your company that allowed you to stop and be thankful for its impact? And how will that affect the mindset in which you enter 2023? |
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I am most grateful that my family is healthy after a couple of recent ER visits, and that we can still run our businesses, keep people employed and continue to serve our customers. We also created a more inclusive and diverse team in the kitchen and provided an opportunity for a young minority female talent to take on a leadership role so she can hone her skills and be prepared for future career advancement.
Mary Aregoni
Founder & CEO
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As CEO and Founder of Sugar Bliss (a woman- and minority-owned bakery in Chicago), I am grateful that Sugar Bliss got the opportunity to launch four of our packaged cookie products into 40 Chicago Walgreens stores this past summer. We are thankful that Walgreens was the first retailer to give us this opportunity, which has been the steppingstone for us to be in more retailers and other outlets including train stations, airlines and coffee shops in 2023.
Teresa Ging
Founder & CEO
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I am most grateful that my 14-year-old company is still in business. The simple fact that I have been able to keep a business open and thriving while employing up to 30 people over the past year is no small feat as a 41-year-old black woman living in these times socially, economically and otherwise. We were able to maintain an environment that fosters trust, flexibility and some element of safety during these unpredictable times.
Farissa Knox
CEO
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I am grateful for my first year with the NAWBO community. I was welcomed with open arms, and I am so appreciative of the friends I've made. I joined a NAWBO Mastermind in January, which may have been my best decision all year. I look forward to our monthly calls very much! The camaraderie, vulnerability and trust built within our group leads me to believe that we will all be in each other's lives for years to come.
Lauren Ramsey
Chief Engagement Officer
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This year has been very challenging personally: I had cataracts in both eyes and my 17-year-old daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (but I am happy to report that she is doing exceptionally well). In the world of entrepreneurship, sometimes it is very easy to shut down and give up, but knowing that I have people counting on me and a great team that supports me and my vision keeps me going.
Baboonie Tatum
Co-Owner
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Congratulations to Jessica Freiburg, a managing partner at Sassetti LLC, which was named one of the "Smartest, Sleekest & Healthiest Workplaces in DuPage" by Choose DuPage.
"Birthday cakes are nice, but Sassetti decided to celebrate 100 years of business with something better—a beautiful new headquarters.
Stepping into the accounting firm’s Oak Brook office today, it’s hard to believe that it was a blank canvas just over a year ago. In (the) summer of 2021, Sassetti began building their new office with a simple goal: to create a space where their team could feel happy and productive."
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NAWBO Chicago member, Ari Krzyzek, recently published a book! In "Made to Sell: Creating Websites That Convert", Ari and her husband Peter (owners of Chykalophia) peel back the curtain to reveal tips and tricks to transform your website and, in turn, your brand and revenue. Whether you have a simple one-page site or a complex retail store with thousands of products, the book will show you how to move from a pretty storefront to a powerful marketing tool. Some of the concepts included are:
- Website Roadmaps
- Brand Building
- Optimizing User Experience
- Elements of Design
- Science of Analytics
- Traffic Generation
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Grant Opportunities Available For West Side Small Businesses |
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West Side United is supporting businesses that are creating wealth and job opportunities on Chicago’s West Side with $10,000 grants. West Side United and Allies for Community Business will distribute 40 grants to West Side small business owners. Small businesses located in 10 West Side neighborhoods are eligible to apply. Apply by November 7.
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Take The NAWBO DEI&B Survey Before Friday's Deadline |
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NAWBO National has extended the deadline for the Second Annual NAWBO Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) Survey to November 4. The purpose of the survey is to gain an assessment of what DEI&B looks like in the NAWBO community. By responding as truthfully as possible, you will help us better understand strengths and accurately identify opportunities to enhance DEI&B at NAWBO based on what matters most to you.
You will be automatically entered into a drawing for a registration to a future NAWBO Leadership Academy when you complete the survey.
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NAWBO Talks: How To Get The Best Out Of Your Team |
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Leadership means so much more than just running a shop. As business owners we should look to build communities, and although we may compete with one another, we also benefit by forming a collaborative front on outreach, innovation and diversity. Leaders lead by bringing people together, regardless of background or difference of opinions, and motivating them to succeed. |
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Hera Hub Chicago, which is hosting NAWBO Talks next week, is offering any NAWBO Chicago members to co-work at their space on Nov. 9 before the event begins. |
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Learn From An Expert About ERTC And Find Out If You Qualify |
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A costly misconception about Covid-19 relief funding has many business leaders falsely assuming they don’t qualify for the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). That’s from the myth that if they received any PPP funding, they would be ineligible. That is NOT true. Your company could be entitled to up to $26,000 per employee per qualifying period. So, whether you have a staff of one employee or a dozen, you may be able to secure additional revenue. |
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Celebrate With NAWBO Chicago At Our Holiday Party |
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Join NAWBO Chicago on November 30 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm to eat, drink and be merry! Members are invited to bring a friend (and their holiday spirit) to this upcoming holiday party at the Merrill Lynch office in the Bank of America Tower, 110 N. Wacker Drive, 5th floor Mezzanine, Chicago, Illinois 60606. This in-person event is hosted by BBV Wealth Management Group. |
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Connect With The NAWBO Chicago Network - Place An Ad |
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2023 National Small Business Week Awards recognize SBA-assisted small businesses' inspirational achievements and contributions to their communities and our nation's economy. All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3:00 pm ET on December 8. Nominations for the following categories will be accepted:
- Small Business Person of the Year
- Small Business Exporter of the Year
- Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery
- Federal Procurement Awards
- Awards to SBA Resource Partners
- Small Business Investment Company of the Year
Click HERE to view the most recent advocacy updates.
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Maximize Your Membership in 2022 |
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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. |
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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.
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Get Involved with a Committee
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.
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email December submissions to the newsletter editor by November 18, 2022.
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