Think about when you first started your business…when it was just you at your kitchen or coffee table with your big idea. Just how far did you imagine you’d go? Perhaps to the million-dollar mark or beyond?
For the majority of America’s more than 10.1 million women business owners, they are still working hard toward that goal—just 3% have currently met or surpassed the million-dollar level in business revenue. That’s why the NAWBO Institute has introduced educational opportunities for women business owners—at all levels—looking to scale their businesses as well as launched the Circle program exclusively for women business owners with million-dollar-and-up businesses looking to reach their next level. For myself, as a million-dollar business owner as well as co-owner of a new start-up with my teenage daughter, opportunities like these are critical to my growth and success.
It’s also why the theme of this issue of NAWBO ONE is “Next Level Growth/Million-Dollar Businesses.” We know that the majority of NAWBO’s members are small businesses looking to reach their next level of growth—although we’re thrilled to say that 25 percent of our members are already million-dollar business owners—and that sometimes all it takes to get there is an idea or inspiration. This issue is packed with both. We have expert tips and a book review on the topic of how to become a million-dollar business. We also have roundtable discussions with both NAWBO Institute Circle program participants as well three Award winners from our recent National Women’s Business Conference Awards Gala. There’s truly something for everyone in this issue looking to reach their next level.
Meanwhile, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and thank you for continuing to be part of this amazing NAWBO movement we are all so passionate about. Thank you to our National staff and board members who work so tirelessly to deliver impact and excellence year-round. Thank you to our chapter leaders who are our greatest advocates in communities across the country. Thank you to our members who are so talented and diverse and who make this great organization what it is today. And last but not least, thank you to our sponsors and partners who share in our important mission and bring the most valuable resources and expertise to the table for our leaders and members. With all of us working together to power the NAWBO dream, and the dreams of women business owners everywhere, I know our next level awaits us in 2017!
—Teresa Meares, 2016-2017 NAWBO National Board Chair