For Prospective Members
An Invitation
NAWBO Columbus is not just where you meet people. It's where you build influence, opportunity, and growth.
If you're a woman business owner in central Ohio, you have lots of places to go for networking. Almost none of them are designed around what happens to your business after you walk in the door.
That's the part we want to fix.
In Plain Terms
Who we are
NAWBO Columbus is one of the largest NAWBO chapters in the country. Our members run businesses across nearly every industry — energy, professional services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, publishing, retail, hospitality, construction, legal, financial services, and more. Solo founders, multi-million-dollar firms, and everything in between.
$250M+
Contributed annually to Ohio's economy by our members
That's not a marketing line. It's the answer to the question "does this organization actually matter?"
What Changes
Membership in 2026 and beyond
The incoming presidency is making a specific commitment: this chapter will operate as a measurable growth platform for women business owners, not just a networking organization.
Programming designed around outcomes
Events like "Women Who Win Contracts" — where you leave with actual procurement contacts and next steps, not just business cards. AI and technology readiness sessions for women business owners who need to stay competitive. CEO Access Series connecting members directly to executives who can hire, mentor, or refer.
Intentional cohorts
Smaller, curated groups based on industry, business stage, or shared experience — where the relationships actually deepen because the groups are sized for that.
Visible economic impact
Contracts won. Certifications earned. Capital accessed. Referrals exchanged. We are going to track and tell those stories publicly, because members deserve to see what membership is actually producing.
An open door
Women of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, and next-generation leaders will be intentionally included in leadership, programming, partnerships, and opportunity.
Before You Join
What you should know
This is not a passive membership. The members who get the most out of NAWBO are the ones who show up, raise their hand, ask for what they need, and offer what they can. If you're looking for an organization where you pay dues and check a box, this is not the right fit.
If you're looking for a community where your business will get talked about in rooms you weren't in — and where you'll do the same for other members — keep reading.
Next Step
How to take the next step
You can come to an event before you join. That's the easiest way to see whether this community is right for you. Women, Wisdom & Wine is our welcoming event for guests, and the monthly meetings are open to non-members too.
Step 1
Membership info & benefits →
Step 2
Join now →
Visit first
Upcoming events →
Get oriented
New member orientation →
The reason to invest time in a community like this is that the women who do it are reliably the ones whose businesses grow faster, with less isolation, and with more leverage.
We would be glad to meet you.