LAUNCH A CHAPTER
Starting a Black Women Business Owner of America Local Chapter can be a very rewarding, yet challenging process. If, after reading this page carefully and in its entirety, you are still interested in starting a chapter, please complete the Chapter Launch Application below and we will follow up with you. We are currently looking at starting new chapters in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Phoenix, but are open to other cities. Additionally, if we receive expansion requests from multiple people within the same city then we will connect all interested parties together.
NOTE: As a 501(c)3 organization, Black Women Business Owners of America is a completely volunteer-run organization. Launching and operating a chapter is a 100% volunteer effort. However, being a chapter leader affords you with many opportunities, which we will discuss further down the page.
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QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
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Be willing to serve as the Chapter President for 2 years
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Must be a paid member of BWBO America (Membership must be secured before being officially installed as Chapter leader)
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Black Women Entrepreneur, Business Owner, or Founder (required for Chapter President only)
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Been legally in business at least 2 years (State certifications and EIN required) (required for Chapter President only)
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Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters in a professional manner
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Have a professional image and high level of ethics, integrity, discretion and confidentiality in all dealings
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Ability to effectively lead others
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Ability to work with and manage others independently
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Ability to manage multiple competing projects
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Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
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Exceptional organizational skills
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Proficient knowledge with using Facebook and Mailchimp
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Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner
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Thoroughness and careful attention to detail
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Creative thinking skills
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Exceptional time-management skills
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Ability to effectively prioritize multiple competing task
The requirement to officially launch a chapter, one of the following must apply once you have been approved to lead launching a chapter:
(a) The chapter must have at least 5 members willing to serve as
Chapter Board Members and have a sponsorship of $1,500
-OR-
(b) The chapter must have at least 5 members willing to serve as
Chapter Board Members and have five (5) additional paid members.
-OR-
(c) A sponsorship of $5,000 is donated to form a chapter.
If you do not meet ALL of the qualifications to lead launching a chapter, or are not interested in leading a chapter launch, but would still like to support launching a chapter by taking on a secondary leadership role, then CLICK HERE to fill out the Secondary Leader Application (you do not need state certification and EIN for this application).
A Secondary Leader is the Chapter Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or a Committee Chair.
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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of Chapter leaders includes but are not limited to:
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Oversee all Chapter operations
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Interface with local and state government & elected officials and community leaders
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Network, work and collaborate with local and state business leaders
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Advocate for black women entrepreneurs
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Plan and manage events
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Respond to emails
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Ensure the Chapter is operating under the standards, policies and guidelines of BWBOA, Inc.
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Manage the Chapter's team
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Manage and maintain Chapter's membership list
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Attend regular Chapter President/Leaders calls & training (teleconference or video chat)
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Create and manage email marketing for Chapter including managing email list
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Ensure that Chapter is fulfilling partnership and sponsorship obligations
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Effectively fundraise for Chapter
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Create and manage an annual budget
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Document and manage Chapter finances
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Oversee & execute Chapter's community engagement and advocacy efforts
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Work with National to execute communications and media relations efforts
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Manage and maintain Chapter's webpage on National website
BENEFITS
While the expectations of running a Chapter high, the benefits and reward of running a Chapter are even greater! If you are wondering what are the benefits of launching a running a Chapter check out the list below. And know that it is not limited to what's listed!
Leading the charge in implementing a entrepreneurship ecosystem
Creating a network of black women entrepreneurs
Becoming a local (and state) leader in entrepreneurship (or strengthening your presence)
Receiving continual leadership training
Access to a network of business, community and government leaders
Publicity for your own personal business (locally, statewide and nationally)
Access to a network of black women entrepreneurs across the country
Access to business resources
Gain and strengthen your leadership experience
APPLICATION
Now that you have read through the qualifications, responsibilities and benefits, are you qualified and still interested in launching a chapter? If so, please fill out the application below. Please be sure to have all information ready to upload when filling out the application. Incomplete applications will automatically be rejected.
Information you need:
Resume and/or bio
Copy of your business's state certification and EIN
1-2 minute video telling us about yourself and why you want to launch a chapter
(This does not have to be a professionally shot video, we are mainly concerned with the content verses the quality)
If you do not meet ALL of the qualifications to lead launching a chapter, or are not interested in leading a chapter launch, but would still like to support launching a chapter by taking on a secondary leadership role, then CLICK HERE to fill out the Secondary Leader Application (you do not need state certification and EIN for this application).