NAWBO Columbus

Public Policy Committee

The committee that makes sure women business owners have a seat at the table.

The Public Policy Committee makes our State Legislators aware of the power of NAWBO. Members meet regularly and work to provide the chapter with the tools needed to influence representatives on issues that affect women-owned businesses.

NAWBO has a 50-year national legacy of legislative impact — including helping pass H.R. 5050, the legislation that granted women business owners the right to obtain business credit in their own name. The Columbus chapter's policy work is part of that longer arc.

What's Changing

About public policy this term

Stronger alignment with economic empowerment.

The committee will partner closely with the President on issues that directly affect the economic outcomes of women business owners — procurement access, access to capital, certification pathways, workforce policy, small business regulation.

Visibility for the work.

Public Policy is often the quietest committee, doing important work that few members see. This term, Communications and Public Policy will partner so members understand the advocacy work being done on their behalf.

Bipartisan, always.

NAWBO advocates on behalf of women business owners regardless of political affiliation, encouraging and supporting bipartisan legislation focused on building and strengthening a sustainable business economy. That posture stays.

Stronger local and regional relationships.

Beyond the Statehouse, the committee will deepen relationships with the City of Columbus, Franklin County, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, and other regional economic development partners.

Asks

What this committee will deliver

  • Regular monitoring of state and federal legislation affecting women-owned businesses
  • Coordination with NAWBO National's advocacy platform
  • Member-facing communication about active policy issues and how members can engage
  • Relationship-building with local elected officials and policy staff
  • Partnership with Communications to surface the committee's work to the membership

Who It's For

Members who…

  • Are interested in policy, advocacy, or government relations
  • Have experience navigating regulatory or legislative environments
  • Want a substantive committee with national-organization connection
  • Are comfortable meeting monthly and working between meetings on policy briefings

Next Step

How to get involved

To join the Public Policy Committee or learn more about current openings, visit the main committees page on the chapter site, the Advocacy & Public Policy page, or contact the Public Policy Vice President.