The Board of the National Association of Women Business Owners establishes member classes for the organization. A brief description of each category is listed below.

Student Member

Shall be an individual who is a student registered full time at a school or university, who subscribes to the objective of NAWBO and intends to start a business. This category is not available online.

Emerging Business Owner

For a new business owner (in business for two years or less). A non-voting category limited to two years, members receive all communications and publications, are eligible for all discounts and benefits, and are listed in the annual directory.

Established Business Owner

For a business owner who has been in business for more than two years and lives in a chapter area. A regular voting category, members receive all communications and publications, are eligible for all discounts and benefits, and are listed in the annual directory. Chapter membership is also required. To qualify for membership members must own a percentage of their company.

Retired Member

Shall be an individual who was a Chapter or At-Large member of NAWBO for at least five (5) years and has sold, divested their interest, or is no longer in their business. A member in this classification shall have one (1) vote. This category is not available online.

Sustaining Member

Shall be a business owner as defined in the NAWBO Policies and Procedures and is a Chapter Member or an At-Large Member who wishes to support the organization in a larger monetary way and gain additional benefits. A member in this classification has one (1) vote.

At Large Member

Shall be a business owner whose business and residence are not located within a Chapter’s organization territory, and who is an individual, partner or stockholder who exercises the power to make policy decisions and is actively involved in the day-to-day management of the firm. A member in this classification has one (1) vote and is under the supervision of NAWBO. All voting members must belong to a chapter of NAWBO if one exists in their area.

Supporting Member

Shall be an individual who subscribes to the objectives of NAWBO and wish to lend support to NAWBO through membership. Members in this classification shall not constitute more than 10% of the voting membership of a chapter. (Individuals applying for membership in the Supporting Membership Category must submit their applications directly to their respective chapter for approval. Any application directly received by the national office will be returned to the membership applicant.) This category is not available online.