January 2024 Newsletter

Happy New Year! As we usher in the promising possibilities of 2024, I am enthusiastic about the incredible journey we have ahead of us as a community.



Growth, both personal and professional, is at the core of our mission as women entrepreneurs. It is the force that propels us forward, challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and empowers us to reach new heights. In 2024, we will have opportunities to embrace the spirit of growth and leverage it to enhance our businesses, expand our networks and make a lasting impact.

January Member Spotlight - Growth

The new year is the perfect time to adopt a growth mindset where you believe that you – and anyone in your organization – can level up with a commitment to hard work and determination. How will you use growth to power all your dreams in 2024?

I am SO excited for 2024! I’ve figured out some innovative ways to enhance my clients’ experiences as they pursue their own dreams, and hit the go button! I also have some exciting projects in the works to amplify my thought leadership, and am busy lining up creative collaborations with some incredibly brilliant minds. This is all possible because I highly prioritize growth. I consistently seek out opportunities and keep my mind open and my actions authentic so that I connect with the right ones at the right time.

Caroline Renee

Founder & Principal

Intentional Abundance Coaching

Set Yourself Up For Success In 2024: Join Us For NAWBO Talks

Annual Planning: Foster A Scaling Mindset And Build A Growth Roadmap

January 24 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Hybrid)

This special hands-on workshop with Cultivate Advisors will help you define your business goals, develop a strategy and build a roadmap to make it happen this year. Participants will dive into:

• Planning Mindset – How to think about planning
• Planning Elements – Goals, KPIs, Leading Indicators
• Planning Framework – The Process to follow, Connecting Macro to Micro
• Collaborative Planning Framework – Bringing the Team into the Planning Process

You’ll leave this workshop with your business’ growth levers identified and initiatives prioritized, a roadmap to develop scalable systems and a methodology to scale your business in 2024.

Member Orientation

January 31 from 9:00 - 10:00 am

On Zoom

Join NAWBO Chicago for a virtual Member Orientation on January 31 from 9:00 - 10:00 am! Whether you are new to the organization, a long-time member or simply want more information before joining, all female entrepreneurs are invited to attend this FREE orientation and learn how to maximize all that NAWBO has to offer.

State's Paid Leave For All Workers Act Implemented January 1

Under a new Illinois state law, workers began earning paid time off as of January 1, 2024.

According to the Illinois Department of Labor, the new law allows workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid leave in a 12-month period. Workers will accrue one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the landmark legislation last March, making Illinois the third state in the nation and first in the Midwest to mandate paid leave for any reason.

Members In The News

Maria Castro and her nonprofit, Love Purse, was featured in the Chicago Tribune on December 29. Castro founded Love Purse in 2021. The organization fills purses with toiletries and inspirational notes and donates them to women living in shelters and safe havens.

"[We're] putting love on the shoulders of women in need, one Love Purse at a time. As we evolve, we start giving to women who are just in need ... they don’t have to be homeless or in a trafficking shelter or domestic violence shelter," Castro said. "It could just be a woman who’s going through a horrible time and just needs to be reminded that she matters.”

Several NAWBO Chicago members were featured in a Daily Herald article in December about influential women in business. The members share their keys to success and how they have learned to reshape their setbacks as a tool for reaching even further.

"These experiences have only fortified my determination and dedication towards achieving my objectives. I've adopted a mindset where I view challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth and advancement," said member Isoken Ogbomo, CEO of Complete Health Service Inc.

The Indiana Connects group was featured in the December issue of North Valpo Neighbors.

"There are so many different industries represented and women in various phases of entrepreneurship," said group co-leader Tiffany Irving, Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow. "This group is about guiding one another to find the resources needed and to support each other."

Member Lindsey Evans, Owner and Managing Broker of Liberty Pointe Realty LLC, recently announced the opening of their new office.

Liberty Pointe Realty is now located at 14234 John Humphrey Drive in Orland Park.

All Members MUST Update Their Membership In New System

NAWBO National is in the process of transitioning its membership management system to a platform called GrowthZone. All members should have received an email from National with instructions on activating your GrowthZone account. Current members must take this action to maintain their memberships. Setting up your profile on the new platform makes you searchable in the Member Directory.

The email with instructions came from delivery@nawbo.org. Please add this new email address to your safe-sender list. If you are having trouble activating your account, please contact lora@nawbochicago.org.

It is expected that in January, NAWBO National will complete the transition of all chapter websites to the new host platform. Updates will continue to occur on the new website throughout the month. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through this change.

Grants Available To Businesses Starting During Pandemic

The Illinois Back to Business (B2B) New Business Grant Program is accepting applications until January 11, 2024. This program provides financial relief for businesses that opened during the pandemic and industries most impacted by the pandemic.

To view the eligibility requirements and to apply, click the button below.

Leadership Academy Hotel Room Block Deadline Extended

The hotel room block reservation deadline is extended to January 9 for NAWBO's Leadership Academy at the end of January in Charlotte, NC.

DEI&B Survey Results Set To Be Shared In February Zoom Call

NAWBO National invites all organization members to learn the results of the third annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) survey on February 7 at 12:00 pm. Click the button below to join the Zoom call on that day.

Maximize Your Membership In 2024

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email February submissions to the newsletter editor by January 19, 2024.