Business Women’s Network for Howard County isn’t your average networking group.
I’ve made some great friends through the years of being part of it. I feel that many of the discussions throughout the years have led to ways that I run my business. BWN has been a lifeline for me. The members are there to support one another, lift you up and make you feel empowered. But most importantly, BWN helps you see you’re not alone.
I feel like I’m someone who has a hard time networking, and when I came to my first BWN meeting, it suddenly became easy. I felt like I was getting a virtual hug at the meeting.
It’s rare to find a place in the business community where you feel truly welcomed. BWN is a wonderful organization that provides space for whoever you are and in whatever phase of your career.
The Business Women’s Network of Howard County promotes and supports professional women in their careers as executives, business owners and leaders. We provide a vibrant network of women who have a significant impact on the business environment in Howard County.
Business Women’s Network believes women are more successful when they are in community with other women. Our mission is to provide opportunities for motivated, professional women to empower one another, so that together we can grow our businesses and our leadership skills. What sets us apart from other networking organizations is our warm and welcoming energy and our commitment to making genuine connections.
In 1979 in Howard County, Maryland, there were a number of well-educated moms who were interested in returning to the workforce after spending several years staying home caring for their young children. As the women started talking to one another—discussing skills, needs, availability—they realized they were estranged from the job market. Thus began the early days of women’s business networking in Howard County.
“There were so many talented, dynamic women involved in so many things in the County,” said Liz Bobo, a founding member. “This was a way for them to get together and share information.”
The group, known simply then as The Women’s Network, quickly grew to 100 members. As more women rejoined the business world in the early 1990s, membership started declining so a board of directors was organized in 1992 to address new challenges for the business network. In 1993, the Board oversaw the Network’s incorporation as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in all sectors of the business community. To reflect this new focus, the name changed to the Business Women’s Network of Howard County (BWN).
By 1999, BWN was running like a professional business with unwavering support for its community. It added a scholarship program in 2001 and later expanded it to help women succeed. BWN has also flexed with the changing needs of the community. From launching the website and connecting over social media to introducing virtual programming, BWN remains committed to keeping business networking accessible and ensuring members remain engaged, educated and energized.
