• The opportunity to better the business climate for women business owners by capitalizing on members’ collective influence, contacts, and knowledge in a braintrust that focuses on making changes to the system;
• The opportunity to be part of an identifiable entity so that business leaders, the media, and politicians know where to go when issues arise that affect women business owners, or when they are looking to do business with WBOs;
• The opportunity to meet, get to know, and do business with other women who also own larger businesses.

1. To improve the procurement and certification processes of city, state, and corporations so that all women business owners have better access.
2. To become more politically aware and informed about how public policy issues directly affect our businesses.
3. To positively influence the representation of women serving on paid corporate boards and boards of influence.

Activities of the KC-CWBO
Compared to other organizations, we operate somewhat differently. For instance, we do NOT have monthly meetings! We meet as needed, in these formats:

1. In-depth Issues Meetings: These are about 4 hours in length so that we can get deep into a particular issue (based on our goals, above) with a subject matter expert, with the outcome being a plan of action or solution. These usually happen every other year, and provide not only education for our members, but also set out the activities and direction for the upcoming 18 months.
2. General Planning Sessions: Shorter meetings to gain input / insight / direction from members on specific issues or challenges as they come up during the course of the KC-CWBO carrying out its goals.
3. New Business Roundtables: Approx. 6 meetings per year, this member benefit provides the opportunity to get face to face with buyers and procurement officers from the TOP 100 Employers, and the TOP 150 Private Companies in the metro area. With six buyers per meeting, this results in about 30-40 new business contacts per year for your company to take advantage of.
4. Networking or special meetings: As members request and opportunities arise. For instance, a small group meeting with the Mayor; a delegation going to Jefferson City for recognition of the KC-CWBO work at the state level; collaborative meetings with other organizations; or just a relaxing open house at a member’s place of business or home.

Our Collaborative Approach
When you join KC-CWBO, you are also becoming a member of two national organizations, paid for in your name out of your KC-CWBO dues. They are:

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is a 28-year old organization, with 85 chapters nationwide. NAWBO has been very influential over the years in providing leadership training and business management skill building for women business owners. We know it is important to support what has gone on before us, and to retain close ties to NAWBO. Our existence is mutually beneficial. That is why, as part of joining KC-CWBO, you are also supporting and joining NAWBO national as well as the local Kansas City chapter.
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is the nation’s largest bi-partisan public policy organization that advocates for and on behalf of women business owners and women in business on economic issues. We rely on WIPP as our primary point of contact to educate us about, get our opinions on, and keep us abreast of public policy issues at the federal level.

(For more information on each of these, visit the "Affiliate Organizations" page.)