AWBC - Association of Women's Business Centers

The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) is a national not for profit (501c3) organization representing women’s business centers and women business owners. Founded in 1998, the AWBC supports entrepreneurial development among women as a way to achieve economic self-sufficiency, create wealth and participate in economic development through education, training, mentoring, business development and financing opportunities.

Women-owned businesses and women business owners are increasingly recognized as an important economic force. In the United States, women owned businesses are growing at twice the national average and their economic contributions are growing at an even faster rate. Between 1997 and 2002, employment in women-owned firms increased by 30%, and revenues grew by 40% indicating that their economic clout is increasing. Many of these women business owners receive counseling, guidance and training from one of the country’s women’s business centers.

Representing women business owners and women business centers in rural and metropolitan communities, the AWBC and its network provide support and services to women business owners ranging from the underserved women entrepreneurs to women securing rounds of venture capital. These community-based organizations in turn provide education, training, and access to capital to over 100,000 women and tens of thousands of businesses each year. Our constituency and stakeholders represent a network of hundreds of thousands of women.

Mission of the AWBC

The AWBC develops and strengthens a global network of women's business centers to advance the growth and success of women business owners.

Vision of the AWBC

The vision of AWBC is a world where economic justice, wealth and well-being are realized through the collective leadership and power of successful entrepreneurial women.

Association of Women's Business Centers

PO Box 1255

Camden, ME 04843

Tel: 207.236.9753

Fax: 207.236.2954

www.womensbusinesscenters.org/

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