NAWBO Indianapolis Celebrates 20 Years

Writer  /  Kara Kavensky
Photography provided by Kelly Lynn Photography

The National Association of Women Business Owners began as an advocacy group in 1975 in Washington, D.C. The initial platform was to change antiquated federal banking laws, enabling women to sign off independently on their own business loans without the requirement of a man’s signature. Through determination, HR5050 Resolution was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in the presence of NAWBO members.

The Resolution enabled women to truly be independent business owners. More than 40 years later, NAWBO celebrates engagement with more than 10.1 million women-owned businesses.

In 1997, a few women got together and filed the Articles for Incorporation for an Indianapolis chapter of NAWBO. Signed by then Secretary of State Sue Anne Gilroy, NAWBO Indianapolis is celebrating its 20th year.

Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing sector in corporate America. Utilizing their collective voice, NAWBO is a thought leader in public policy that impacts women and minority business owners.

NAWBO Indianapolis has a vibrant, growing membership base and is the second largest NAWBO chapter in the U.S. Their focus is on education, strategic connections and support of other women business owners. Corporations looking to expand their supplier base through partnerships with NAWBO discover their business benefits from the alliance through diversity and mentorship.

“Currently we are in the process of compiling comprehensive data of our membership,” says NAWBO Indianapolis Executive Director Lee Ann Richardson. “It’s exciting to witness the amazing business connections and growth and be able to provide the analytics.”

By promoting economic development, creating effective change and innovation, building strategic alliances and transforming public policy, NAWBO Indianapolis President Tammy Butler Robinson hopes that NAWBO is thought of first when it comes to policy by elected officials.

“We are driving business forward together with the goal of making Indiana the leading state for women business owners,” says Robinson, Managing Principal of Engaging Solutions, LLC. “By connecting and utilizing other women-owned businesses, we uplift us all.”

NAWBO Indianapolis will host its Visionary Awards Luncheon on Dec. 13 at the JW Marriott. For more information, please visit NAWBOIndy.org.

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