Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to join the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County MD?
The WBO-MC community offers the support and knowledge that business owners need to expand and grow. You’ll meet many different types of professionals and enjoy regular opportunities to get out and network with people who want to help you succeed. There are so many benefits for members we have a whole section about them!
What's the scoop on Membership?
WBO-MC represents more than 100 Montgomery County businesses and while our programming year runs from September 1st -- August 31st, your membership is good for one full year from the date you join.
Cost?
- Full Member (voting) $125: Actively involved in management/operation of a business and bears significant risk of loss. May be sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, officers/directors holding at least 10% of the shares issued.
- Affiliate Member (non-voting) $145: A former WBO member who is no longer a business owner but wishes to remain a member.
- Associate Member (non-voting) $145: Director/manager of a business or organization that furthers the success of women business owners.
Can I deduct my dues and other contributions?
- Deduct contributions or gifts to WBO-MC? No, not as a charitable contribution.
- Dues may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.
- Check with your accountant or the IRS to get specific information that applies to your business.
- Women Business Owners of Montgomery County is a 503(c)(6) non-profit organization in the eyes of the IRS.
Fill out our Membership Application today!
Who can come?
You’re invited. We let guests attend 2 meetings before requiring that you join because we want you to get a chance to meet us and come to a networking lunch and a dinner program.
Men. We have men as members and as guests at our meetings.
What are meetings like?
At lunch meetings focus on guided networking. During the course of the lunch you may meet everyone in the room, but we want you to get to know 6-8 colleagues on a more personal level. Lunch meetings are open to guests, we encourage people to attend before joining.
Dinner meetings include networking and educational programs—not to mention delicious food and interesting conversations. Dinner meetings also are open to guests, please join us.
All of our meetings give you a chance to learn about the successes of other members and announce your own triumphs to the group.
Every September WBO-MC hosts a Free Networking Event for the business community to introduce our new Board and celebrate women in business.
How do I suggest a program?
Email Program Chair Laura Rhode.
How often does WBO-MC meet?
Our regular meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the Month, alternating lunch & dinner. We often have other events in between meetings as well; check our event calendar for details
How many times can I attend as a guest?
Twice, then become a member!
Can I be a Speaker at your meeting?
We welcome educational presentations (but not sales pitches). Contact the Program Chair to see if we are a good fit for your presentation and start the application process.
How does WBO-MC support member businesses?
Among the many benefits of being a WBO-MC member, you can promote your business to other members in the spirit of supporting one another's success:
- Volunteer and get involved in WBO-MC and you’ll quickly become a known quantity in the local business community.
- Attend meetings and network.
- Enter our Member of the Month drawings for the chance to have your business profiled in the Networker newsletter.
- Place an ad in our Networker newsletter and advertise to our members directly.
- Publish an educational article in the Networker.
- Share your elevator speech at meetings to let people know who you are and what you offer.
- Donate door prizes for meetings to let members experience your products and services first-hand.
- Take advantage of your Member Directory listing (print & online) to promote your business.
- Bring cards, brochures, and give-aways to meetings.
- Offer a Member-to-Member Discount on your products or services.
Mastermind Groups bring accountability and peer-to-peer mentoring to the lives of small business owners and solopreneurs. Join a group and make time to talk with other business women about your challenges and successes as you get to know potential business connections. Our Mastermind groups are terrific places to network and get peer mentoring support as you grow your business. Groups meet regularly and get great reviews from attendees. You must be a WBO-MC member to join or attend a Mastermind Group. Learn more about the WBO-MC Mastermind program.
Over the years my Mastermind group has been like a board of advisors--they all run different businesses and bring their perspectives. They also hold me accountable, and it works.
~Former Board Member
Our Member-To-Member discount program helps members get to know one another’s services and products and save money at the same time. Use a discount, save, and deal with business owners you can trust—or offer a discount and introduce more people to your services.
Over the years I've done business with many wonderful businesses through WBO-MC.
~Former President Laura Levengard
How does WBO-MC stay in touch with members?
Members receive our quarterly Networker newsletter and have access to the members-only section of our website. We compile an annual business directory of our members and maintain a networking referral directory. Using social networks? You’ll find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. Oh yes, we also send out the occasional email.
What organizations does WBO-MC partner with regularly?
Rockville Economic Development Inc.
Rockville Women’s Business Center
Team Network Montgomery All County Networking Extravaganza
DC Metro iCommunity
Montgomery County Women's Legislative Briefing
For more than 20 years, WBO-MC has awarded an annual scholarship to a woman resuming her education, re-entering the workforce, or changing her career. The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with Montgomery College and is presented at our annual Meet the Board / Free Community Networking Event in September.
How can I get more involved with WBO-MC? Volunteer!
As a WBO-MC volunteer you can build on your existing skills, contribute to the community, and learn new skills that you haven’t needed in your business (yet…). Take a look at the Leadership section of this web site to learn how you can contribute as a WBO-MC member.
Whether you want to volunteer to serve on the Board, offer an educational program or brown bag, contribute to the Networker, or work on the Power Conference, there are lots of opportunities.
The President's Project benefits women in the community and past examples include Transformations of Montgomery County, Hero Dogs, Going Green, MANNA Food Center, and Suited for Change. We also organize group community service activities, such as the 5k ICC Walk/Run to benefit Maryland Special Olympics and the MLK Jr. Day of Service.