NAWBO Columbus

Roundtables Committee

Where the deepest relationships in this chapter actually form.

Roundtables consist of small groups of women from non-competing industries who meet on a regular basis. The small-group setting provides space to learn, share ideas, and support one another as members navigate the challenges of running a business.

Roundtables are one of the longest-running, highest-retention programs in this chapter. Ask almost any longtime member where their most valuable NAWBO relationships came from, and the answer is often a Roundtable.

What's Changing

About roundtables this term

Community is where retention lives.

Women stay in this organization where they feel known. The big events bring people in. The Roundtables are what make them stay. The presidency's commitment to "intentional community building" runs straight through Roundtables.

Curated peer learning beats generic networking.

Roundtables provide what no large event can — sustained, trusted relationships across non-competing businesses, where members can be honest about challenges they cannot easily discuss elsewhere.

Expansion, where the demand exists.

If there is appetite from members for new Roundtables — industry-specific, business-stage-specific, or identity-specific — the committee will work with Membership to design and launch them. The bar is real demand and committed members willing to lead.

A small group in conversation

Asks

What this committee will deliver

  • Active, well-functioning peer groups with clear meeting rhythms
  • Confidentiality and trust as foundational norms
  • Support for new Roundtables forming as the chapter grows
  • Coordination with Membership so new members can be matched with the right Roundtable based on industry and stage
  • A clear pathway for members who want to start or facilitate a new Roundtable

Who It's For

Members who…

  • Value sustained relationships over surface-level networking
  • Are willing to commit to consistent participation over time
  • Want to learn from peers running businesses in non-competing industries
  • Are interested in facilitating or starting a new Roundtable

Next Step

How to get involved

Roundtables work best when members commit to consistent participation. If you are interested in joining an existing Roundtable or starting a new one, visit the Roundtables page on the main chapter site, or contact the Roundtables Vice President.