March is women’s history month, and it’s also a time in which a local women’s business organization is looking to the future.
The National Association of Women Business Owners recently relaunched its Southern Nevada chapter of the nation’s premier organization dedicated to advancing women entrepreneurs.
The NAWBO Southern Nevada chapter also recently installed its new board of directors, led by president Jo Cato, and launched its March membership drive.
“We are renewing our commitment to women business owners across the valley,” said Cato, founder and CEO of The Periwinkle Group who has been a small business owner in Southern Nevada for the last two decades. “We have a unified board with a clear vision and we’ve developed a really strong strategy when it comes to empowering women entrepreneurs to grow their business.
“Our goal in Southern Nevada is help those women-owned businesses grow, whether they’re aspiring, seasoned or startup. We want to make sure we provide them with the resources to strengthen their businesses, not just locally but regionally as well, so that they can thrive. We want local businesswomen to get involved and join our community.”
The new board of directors represents industries ranging from health and wellness to hospitality, coaching, marketing, technology, staffing and events.
“Southern Nevada needs a strong, organized and visible voice for women business owners right now,” Cato said. “Together, our board is committed to ensuring women are supported, connected and positioned for growth.”
Women own approximately 44 percent of small businesses in the United States, according to recent Small Business Administration data, and there are nearly 13 million women-owned small businesses that generate nearly $2 trillion in revenue.
From 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of women-owned businesses nationwide was 94 percent greater than that of their male counterparts.
From 2019 to 2024, women-owned businesses in Nevada increased from about 63,000 to 82,000.
“We have seen growth for women-owned businesses in Nevada, so it’s an exciting time for women to join NAWBO right now,” Cato said. “We want to make sure we mentor these businesses.”
Besides offering business resources, Cato said the organization also will roll out health and wellness programming for its members.
“We have different resources and workshops that can help women in the organization maintain their mind and body as well as their business at the same time,” she said. “That’s what sets us apart from other women’s organizations.”
Those interested in joining NAWBO Southern Nevada, one of more than 60 chapters across the country, should visit nawbosnv.org. Annual memberships start at $359.40.
Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on X.
