There’s an anonymous quote that says, “Stars can’t shine without darkness”—and as I look around our community of thousands of women business owners across the nation, I am so heartened and inspired by all the examples of women shining bright in the face of tremendous uncertainty.
One NAWBO member has shifted her business operations to meet a critical need nationwide—producing hand sanitizer for health care and other essential workers who need it most right now. Two other NAWBO members who had a mentoring relationship before COVID-19 are now advising each other in ways they didn’t think possible just a few weeks ago. These are a few of the stories you’ll read about in this month’s NAWBO ONE.
NAWBO has also been working around the clock to be a bright spot through the darkness for every woman entrepreneur. We are providing not only our members, but every woman entrepreneur in the U.S., the most valuable information, ideas and resources through no-cost, public webinars and a COVID-19 resource hub. We are facilitating regular Zoom video chats and FaceTime Live sessions to connect and inspire one another virtually. We are also using our voice—your voice—to advocate for the support we need to get through this time.
It’s all part of NAWBO’s 4 Cs:
- Community – Through video chats and NAWBO Institute’s community of resources connecting women business owners nationwide
- Confidence – Through educational and inspirational webinars that inspire confidence
- Capital – Through resources for women business owners to access capital and opportunities to grow financially
- Capitol – Through advocacy work benefitting all women and small business owners
Lastly, we don’t want any woman entrepreneur to feel lost or alone right now. Please share our public offerings—all highlighted in this issue—like our virtual programming, resource hub and advocacy updates with all women entrepreneurs. Let’s support them and give them the chance to get to know NAWBO at the same time. Also, if you can afford it, please consider donating to the NAWBO Institute so we can continue to bring our community the education and resources they need now more than ever.
I know the “darkness” can feel overwhelming at times. Just know your NAWBO community is here to support and lift you up so you can continue to shine.
