In 2000 six women met for lunch at Tauraso’s
in Frederick. They bemoaned the fact there was no business organization
in Frederick singularly focused on helping women grow their
business. Today, the luncheon is no longer a table for six,
but many tables that hold as many as 80 women entrepreneurs
for lunch.
Formerly known as the Women’s Focus
Group, the Women’s Business Network of Frederick (WBN)
invests its energy in helping established businesses transition
to the next level through an interactive workshop. A facilitator
presents an overview of the basics of the topic, and then, through
a well-planned exercise, encourages participants to share ideas
and experiences. “Not only are we learning a new way to
approach old topics, but we are networking as well.” notes
one participant.
In 2004, the WBN formally adopted its name
and selected a logo from the several logos that graphic designer
Heather Bodnar had designed.
It has been two years in development, but
the website finally launched in 2007 will help members track
events and connect with other members.
Only Shabri Moore from the original members
remains in the WBN. Shabri recognizes that the reason the WBN
has flourished without advertisements or much publicity is because
there is a real need for women to congregate and share business
knowledge.
