Why Sponsor the WBN

Association with the WBN fosters valuable connections in Ottawa's Leading Network of Women in Business. 

• Extend your business exposure within the Women's Business Network and Ottawa's business community as a whole.
• Gain recognition as a business that supports worthy community endeavours.
• Receive exposure through continuous support from local media, including print, television and radio.
• Maximize the reach of your promotional budget.
• Benefit from potential exposure to three main events annually, in addition to the well-attended monthly meetings.
• The WBN is the longest active network of "women in business".
• Support an organization that promotes business success.

The Facts:

• Between 1981 and 2001, the number of women entrepreneurs in Canada increased 208%, compared with a 38% increase for men. 
• Since 1976, the average annual growth rate of self-employment for women has been 5.3%, compared with 2.2% for men.
• The number of women entrepreneurs grew by 8% between 1996 and 2001, compared with a 0.6% increase for men.
• One third of self-employed Canadians in 2001 were women.
• Canadian women entrepreneurs contribute in excess of $18.1 billion to our economy every year.
• Self-employment has grown faster in the past 25 years than paid employment.
• Self-employment among women rose from 8.6% of workers in 1976 to 11.5% in 2002.

Why support is important:

• Only 9% of women entrepreneurs are involved with international business.
• The likelihood of self-employment in women increases with age, and most self-employed women are between the ages of 35 and 54.
• The average earnings for women who are self-employed or work for themselves are lower than for employed women.

What is the WBN?

The Women's Business Network was formed more than 25 years ago by and for established businesswomen. In 2006 we celebrated 25 years of supporting Ottawa businesses. The WBN membership now boasts over 150 business owners, senior managers and commissioned saleswomen from an extensive range of professions and industries.

Our members build strong professional relationships, thereby increasing business opportunities. The WBN is the foremost vehicle for businesswomen to achieve success and celebrate accomplishment. It is a recognized forum for learning and sharing business experiences in a unique and empowering environment.

The WBN:

• Publishes Ottawa's only Directory of Women in Business, a vital resource to key contacts, distributing 5000+ annually
• Hosts the prestigious Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year Awards
• Organizes the annual Jill Brown Memorial Golf Classic
• Sponsors the WBN Scholarship Fund, three annual scholarships for exceptional female business students pursuing entrepreneurial studies at Carleton University, Algonquin College or the University of Ottawa
• Raises members' profiles and keeps members connected through electronic monthly newsletters, regularly maintained website, plus communication channels between members and other women's networks across the country
• Establishes partnerships with other organizations such as Canadian Women in Communication and the Women of Influence series.

Regular Events

Monthly events feature dynamic speakers offering sound business advice, lessons learned and innovative tips for success. Any businesswoman may attend our monthly meetings. Those who meet the membership criteria are invited to complete an application form. 

Bimonthly new member breakfasts offer new and potential members to introduce themselves and become more acquainted with existing members and opportunities. 

Your Market Exposure