NAWBO in San Antonio

We started 12 years ago as a collection of innovators. Our burning ideas lead to starting this chapter and develop its Programs, some of which are recognized on a national scale. We are, for example, the only NAWBO Chapter in the country which awards annual scholarships to our future women entrepreneurs. And, our programs continue to develop.

Join Us Now and fuel the fire. With your talents, your energy, and your ambitions we will continue to build our chapter into the premier business engine in South Central Texas.

Our History

Spring 1997 Initial filing for Chapter in Formation submitted
March 1998 It began! Our Chapter was chartered.
Fall 1998 We created our first logo and began branding our Chapter. Our first marketing materials were in distribution.
January 1999 We founded the 1st Member Annual Conference to provide a series of educational and leadership workshops.
Fall 1999 Our Corporate Partner Program started.
Fall 1999 This was the year we celebrated out 1st Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards in recognition of area women entrepreneurs and their accomplishments.
Spring 2000 During our Board Retreat, we developed our 5-year strategic plan.
December 2000 We held our 1st Holiday Social.
Spring 2001 The first, and momentous, An Income of Her Own Conference was put on by a group of tenacious believers, the founders of the program.
Summer 2002 In honor of our 5th Anniversary, our Board outlined a strategic plan to meet criteria necessary for the Healthy Chapter Award.
Fall 2002 We amended our Bylaws to better align with NAWBO National.
Summer 2003 We received the 1st Healthy Chapter Award for the quality and diversity of our programs, the involvement of our members, and our membership growth.
Summer 2004 Recipients of the 2nd Healthy Chapter Award
Summer 2005 Recipients of the 3rd Healthy Chapter Award
Summer 2005 At our Board Retreat, we outlined a strategic plan to meet criteria necessary for the Gold Healthy Chapter Award.
Summer 2006 NAWBO San Antonio was awarded the prestigious Gold Healthy Chapter Award for best practices in membership, succession planning, mentoring, corporate partner support and involvement at the national level. San Antonio was one of only two chapters nationwide to receive this honor.
Summer 2006 More planning at our Board Retreat outlined a 3-year strategic plan.
Spring 2007 H-E-B increased their Corporate Partnership level to become the first Diamond Partner for our Chapter.
Spring 2007 Our Chapter created new bylaws to better align itself with new national governance structure.
Summer 2007 Our Chapter takes the An Income of Her Own Program to new heights, awarding $16,000 in scholarships to three teen women for their participation in the program and their submission of business plans for their Dream Businesses.
Summer 2007 NAWBO-San Antonio receives the National Diversity Award with a check for $1000.00
Summer 2007 We achieved a Chapter Membership of 120 Women Business Owners.
Summer 2007 We celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Chapter at the Annual Banquet.
Winter 2007 Our 2nd Diamond Level Sponsor, Altair Technology, Inc, joined us and built our first interactive website.
Spring 2008 Gave away $20,500 in scholarships to deserving teen women
Fall 2008 Participated in the TX Conference for Women in Houston
Spring of 2009 Formation of the 501c3
Spring 2009 Raised profile of ESA by converting to an evening gala format
Summer 2009 Hired KGB Texas to increase public awareness of our mission
Fall 2009 Participated in the TX Conference for Women in Houston
Winter 2009 Hosted Member Trade Show and Educational Event
Spring 2009 Gave away $20,500 in scholarships to deserving teen women
Fall 2009 Diamond Level Sponsor, Altair Technology, Inc, redesigned our interactive website, an online marketplace for Women Business Owners.