What is WBN?
Women’s Business Network is a business and professional networking organization whose primary purpose is to promote and support women in business and professional practices. Founded in 1990 in Harvard, Massachusetts, it now includes women from many other local communities who own or manage a small business—or are interested in starting a business.
Current members reside, or own businesses, in Acton, Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Newton, Pepperell, Shirley, Still River, Stow, Townsend, and Westford.
What is WBN’s Purpose?
WBN has a range of purposes, including the following:
- Experience and expertise. Since women entrepreneurs are responsible for all facets of the business and often work alone, they may lack daily access to colleagues with expertise and experience in sales, marketing, finance, strategic planning, and more. The Women’s Business Network provides a forum for interaction with others who can offer diverse perspectives on business management and growth.
- Education. Monthly meeting topics include financial planning, goal-setting, stress management, organization skills, presentation techniques, marketing strategies, health issues, and more. Presentations may be given by a Women’s Business Network member or a guest speaker or facilitator.
- Networking. Time is set aside for networking at each Women’s Business network meeting for members to learn more about each other. In addition to establishing a sense of collegiality, networking provides opportunities to exchange information, share advice, offer inspiration, and expand business possibilities. An added benefit—members report they often receive business referrals.
- Support. The Women’s Business Network combats the natural isolation of managing a small business by providing both personal support and professional development. WBN members understand the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities, whether the challenge involves balancing the two simultaneously, re-entering the work force after children are grown, or moving from working for others to entrepreneurship