BWBO America | Launch A Chapter

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.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Be willing to serve as the Chapter President for 2 years
Must be a paid member of BWBO America (Membership must be secured before being officially installed as Chapter leader)
Black Women Entrepreneur, Business Owner, or Founder (required for Chapter President only)
Been legally in business at least 2 years (State certifications and EIN required) (required for Chapter President only)
Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters in a professional manner
Have a professional image and high level of ethics, integrity, discretion and confidentiality in all dealings
Ability to effectively lead others
Ability to work with and manage others independently
Ability to manage multiple competing projects
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Exceptional organizational skills
Proficient knowledge with using Facebook and Mailchimp
Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner
Thoroughness and careful attention to detail
Creative thinking skills
Exceptional time-management skills
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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of Chapter leaders includes but are not limited to:

Oversee all Chapter operations
Interface with local and state government & elected officials and community leaders
Network, work and collaborate with local and state business leaders
Advocate for black women entrepreneurs
Plan and manage events
Respond to emails
Ensure the Chapter is operating under the standards, policies and guidelines of BWBOA, Inc.
Manage the Chapter's team
Manage and maintain Chapter's membership list
Attend regular Chapter President/Leaders calls & training (teleconference or video chat)
Create and manage email marketing for Chapter including managing email list
Ensure that Chapter is fulfilling partnership and sponsorship obligations
Effectively fundraise for Chapter
Create and manage an annual budget
Document and manage Chapter finances
Oversee & execute Chapter's community engagement and advocacy efforts
Work with National to execute communications and media relations efforts
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)