LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Your Path Coaching and Consulting goal is to aid leaders in gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to achieve their professional goals.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs in Richmond, VA

Dorian Cunion
Sep 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 12

Women Entrepreneur Focused Organizations

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

Mission: To empower and advocate for women entrepreneurs across the U.S.

Core Purpose: NAWBO serves as the unified voice of over 12 million women-owned businesses. They provide resources, networking opportunities, and legislative advocacy to advance women in business.

Key Offerings:

🧭 Advocacy: Promotes bipartisan legislation that supports women business owners nationwide.
🤝 Networking: Hosts local and national events to foster collaboration, mentorship, and growth.
📚 Education: Provides workshops, summits, and leadership development opportunities.
💼 Membership Benefits: Includes access to certification programs, business resources, and visibility platforms.

Local Chapters: NAWBO Richmond offers monthly events like Coffee & Connect, Wisdom Wednesdays, and Lunch & Learn sessions to build community and share expertise.

Key Event: Women Empowerment Summit and Expo, October 2-4. Women Empowerment Summit and Expo - a 2-Day Experience Tickets, Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite

Metropolitan Business League (MBL)

Mission: To empower small, women-, and minority-owned businesses through education, access, and advocacy.

Core Purpose: MBL is a nonprofit business association based in Richmond, VA. They are dedicated to fostering economic prosperity by connecting entrepreneurs with resources, networks, and opportunities for growth.

Key Offerings:

🔗 Networking & Partnerships: Builds bridges between businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions to drive collaboration and procurement success.
📈 Business Development: Offers workshops, member-only events, and marketing support to elevate visibility and capacity.
💡 Youth & Community Programs: Runs initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurship Program to cultivate future leaders and connect classrooms to boardrooms.
🏛️ Advocacy & Access: Hosts summits like Women Who Mean Business and maintains a Capital Access Hub to support funding and strategic growth.

Key Event: Women Who Mean Business Summit, October 10th. Women Who Mean Business -

The Women’s Business Center of Central Virginia

Mission: To empower women small business owners by providing the tools, guidance, and support needed to start, grow, and scale their ventures.

Core Purpose: WBC Central VA serves as a technical assistance hub for entrepreneurs across Central Virginia. They offer personalized support in a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

Key Offerings:

🧭 One-on-One Counseling: Tailored guidance for business planning, marketing, operations, and financial strategy.
📚 Training & Workshops: Includes Business Start Bootcamps, webinars, and an annual WBC Conference focused on growth and sustainability.
💡 Technical Assistance: Support with branding, intellectual property, capital access, and loan readiness.
🤝 Networking & Events: Facilitates connection through community-building sessions and strategic partnerships.

Key Event: Wealth and Wellness Conference, October 30th. Home - 2025 Wealth & Wellness Conference

The Importance of Networking

Every entrepreneur needs a team of organizations and people to support their growth. Networking is crucial for success. It opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. By attending events, you can meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for business.

Connecting with others can provide fresh perspectives and insights. You might discover new strategies to overcome challenges. Additionally, networking can lead to potential partnerships that enhance your business.

If you're looking to network and connect with other business owners, consider checking out these organizations. Attend an event and determine if membership can help you achieve your business objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Women’s Business Month is a perfect time to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs. Richmond, VA, offers a vibrant community of organizations dedicated to empowering women in business. By engaging with these groups, you can unlock your full potential. Embrace the opportunities available to you and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Remember, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can navigate challenges, build confidence, and achieve significant career and business growth through tailored coaching and consulting.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to email executive coach Dorian Cunion at dcunion@yourpathexecutivesolutions.com. If you are interested in seeing additional content related to leadership and business, follow me on