The Alliance of Women Owned Businesses (AWOB) is a community of women who share the experience of owning their own businesses. Our mission is to empower women to achieve higher levels of business success. We do this by providing year-round programming focused on education, inspiration and information that is of interest to women business owners. AWOB is a volunteer-run organization that has come a long way in a short amount of time. We are proud to offer a powerful lineup of programs and opportunities for entrepreneurial women to connect with each other and learn together. We believe there is nothing quite like the experience you get from AWOB in the South and West Puget Sound.
History: AWOB is a non-profit membership organization founded in 2010 by a group of women business owners who had a vision of creating a community of learning and support for their peers. Starting with a handful of supporters, a committed task force, and entrepreneurial spirit, AWOB was formed as a 501c(6) serving Kitsap, Pierce and Mason counties. Thurston county added in 2013. A volunteer board drives the AWOB mission, directs development, coordinates meetings and offers activities to the business community to support the interests and needs of women business owners.
Mission: The Alliance of Women Owned Businesses envisions growing in strength through individual and collective impact while providing members involvement and leadership opportunities. AWOB fosters business knowledge, expanded skills and confidence, and its members create lasting connections as they engage with their expanding community of women in business.
Guiding Principles:
Provide a forum for business education
Mentor and encourage each other
Provide resources to foster business growth
Promote the building of positive relationships
Subscribe to high ethical business standards
Honor the accomplishments of outstanding business women
Membership: Membership is open to any woman who owns her own business, is a partner in a business, is an independent contractor (1099), or is a commission based professional. Membership is also open to business students, retired business owners, non-profits, companies or trade associations that support women who own their own businesses, and any non-business owner who wishes to lend support to the organization and its mission.
AWOB hosts 2 monthly events, the Power Series and Women Owned Nights. The Power Series is a monthly meeting offering dynamic speakers, roundtable discussions and panel presenters that educate, inform and inspire. The presentation is followed by an opportunity to connect with other guests and members. The Power Series is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Canterwood Golf & Country Club in Gig Harbor, at 12606 54th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332., from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to all. It is free to members and first time guests. The cost is $25 to all others.
W.O.N. or Women Owned Nights is the more social of the 2 major monthly events, bringing us together at a local eatery to support local restaurants. A thought-provoking business topic is discussed and facilitated by one of our members during a no-host dinner. Restaurant locations vary for this monthly event. Women Owned Nights is on the last Tuesday of each month. The location typically rotates between Tacoma (Grassi’s on Bridgeport), Gig Harbor (El Pueblito downtown) and Port Orchard (Puerta Vallarta). Start time of 5:30 p.m.
