HONOLULU, HI – Just in time for October’s Women’s Small Business Month, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the National Association of Women Business Owners are launching a new partnership connecting Hawaii women business owners with a national network for advocacy, education, leadership development and business connections.

Through the partnership, Chamber members will receive $50 off NAWBO’s annual Virtual Membership, reducing the regular $250 membership fee to $200. The collaboration also creates a new connection between Hawaii’s local business community and NAWBO’s national advocacy efforts on issues affecting women entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“Women business owners are an important part of Hawaii’s small business community, and when small businesses have the opportunity to grow, they create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to a more diversified economy,” says Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “I saw that firsthand growing up in Hilo, watching my mother build and run her own small business, and that experience shaped my belief in the importance of giving business owners the resources and connections they need to succeed. That is also reflected in the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii and our focus on building a stronger, more diversified economy. This partnership with NAWBO gives Hawaii’s women business owners another way to connect, grow and have their voices heard.”

NAWBO members gain access to national advocacy updates and action alerts, educational programming, leadership development, networking opportunities and other resources designed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and expand their impact.

This partnership gives Hawaii women business owners access to a broader network while also helping us better understand and elevate their perspectives as we advocate for a stronger business environment across our state.

“Hawaii is home to an incredible community of women entrepreneurs, and NAWBO is excited to welcome them into a network that extends far beyond their home state,” says Jen Earle, CEO of NAWBO and Executive Director of the NAWBO Institute. “Our members are part of a national community that shares ideas, builds relationships and works together to advance the interests of women business owners. Through this partnership, women in Hawaii can tap into that community while bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the national conversation. We are excited to work alongside the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and create more ways for women entrepreneurs in Hawaii to connect with one another and with women business leaders across the country.”

The two organizations will also explore opportunities for joint educational programs, women’s leadership initiatives, networking events, business development opportunities and public policy engagement.

Women business owners interested in joining the Chamber can learn more at cochawaii.org/membership. Current Chamber members can receive $50 off NAWBO’s annual Virtual Membership at nawbo.org/membership. Please use discount code COCHawaii at checkout.

About the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is the leading voice of business in the state, dedicated to advancing a healthy economy and improving the quality of life for Hawaii’s residents. Established in 1850, the Chamber continues its legacy of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen Hawaii’s business community. Representing more than 2,000 member organizations statewide, the Chamber drives impact through key initiatives in legislative advocacy, education and workforce development, military affairs, and young professionals. A recipient of the national ACCE Chamber of the Year Award in 2018, the Chamber is also behind the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, a bold, data-driven economic action plan to diversify our economy, improve competitiveness, support policy reform, and build long-term resilience. Visit cochawaii.org to learn more.

About the National Association of Women Business Owners

Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of America’s more than 15 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries. NAWBO develops programs that help navigate women entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business growth because we know that when Women Rise, America Thrives. Find details about the impact of America’s women business owners at nawbo.org/wbo-statistics. To learn more about NAWBO, please visit nawbo.org.