Eleven women business owners and their mentors met recently to celebrate the completion of their nine-month National Association of Women Business Owners — NAWBO Phoenix Chapter Business Mentoring Program.

“When we tallied all of the figures from this year, the economic impact was quite substantial,” says Program Director Paula Wittekind of CDQ Learning for Results. “Participating companies reported increased revenues of more than $450,000. All of the participants made great strides in their business and were successful in meeting goals they had set.”

Participating companies saw an average of 129 percent in increased revenues with several companies achieving a 200 percent increase, including Shelly Vie of Nourished Foods and Margo Brown of Wave Productivity.

“The Mentoring Program not only helped me to increase sales but helped me build a scalable, viable business that could one day gross $1 million,” says Vie. “I moved production to a larger commercial kitchen, hired two part-time employees as well as retained several contract employees to help me with various aspects of my business. All of these changes have led to a better work/life balance while furthering my goal of being a recognized leader in the field of ancestral health food.”

“The Mentoring Program helped me focus on growth in my business, to dig into the work I do and improve upon it,” explains Brown. “The program also helped me expand on the connections within NAWBO and develop a strong bond with my mentor.”

NAWBO’s Mentoring Program kicks off each September and features a different speaker each month on topics about developing and growing a business. Mentees and mentors then meet outside of the monthly group sessions to talk about how to implement new ideas into their business and work on their individual development goals.

2016-17 Mentoring Program

Women business owners who want to participate in the next NAWBO Mentoring Program must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a vision, goal and commitment to developing their current business or business idea
  • Have a high level of commitment to the nine-month program (September 2016 to May 2017)
  • Be willing to dedicate 7 – 10 hours each month to attend monthly topic sessions, meet with their Mastermind group in person, and complete assignments directly related to the development of your business
  • Be a current business owner for a minimum of one year (recommended, but not required)
  • Pay application and participation fees
  • Join and keep an active NAWBO membership for the duration of the program. Proof of membership must be received prior to the September kick-off session.

Mentors should have the following qualifications:

  • Be willing to commit to attending the September and October monthly sessions and are able to dedicate 2-3 hours each month to meet with their Mastermind group in person
  • Have three years as a business owner, or other equivalent experience
  • Have a proven business development and growth record.

Applications will be accepted through July 31. For more information or to apply online, visit www.nawbophx.org or contact Cindy Gordon at 602-423-1747.