The purpose of the mentoring program is to provide assistance to new and growing women entrepreneurs. This is in accordance with the NAWBO national vision - NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide. And, it also pertains to our mission to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promote economic development, create innovative and effective changes in the business culture (a nurturing environment), and build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations.

Background: Previously NAWBO, Inland NW Chapter, had the Judi Williams Fund and Scholarship Program. Funds were raised for this program primarily from "good news jar" income. Members who wanted to address the group during introductions with more than their 30-second "elevator speech" put $2-$5 in the jar to talk longer. Some workshop proceeds were also used to fund the program. Proceeds were used for college scholarships, and Small Business Development Center NxLevel courses for existing businesses.

Reason for change

1. The Scholarship fund was too restrictive. Per IRS rules, we were limited in how the funds were used. Further, while those funds were used to finance young women's education in business, it did not directly affect women in entrepreneurship.
2. There is a need not only to help new and existing women business owners learn more about business through education, but also through exposure to successful women business owners. Many of these women would benefit from being introduced to NAWBO meetings, membership in our organization, counseling, and short entrepreneurial classes.

Anticipated uses of fund

1. Pay for certain guests to visit/attend a NAWBO meeting. This might include students in entrepreneurship programs from Gonzaga, EWU, or Whitworth. Women in the SNAP Microenterprise or Women's Business Center programs who would benefit from exposure to successful women entrepreneurs, but who might otherwise not be able to attend, and others as determined by a majority of the board.
2. Pay for educational classes for women business owners, including members, that are not able to otherwise attend. Educational classes are offered from a variety of resources - the Chambers of Commerce, BIZStreet Resource Center, SCORE, INWBC, SNAP, and SBDC, as well as NAWBO - that can help women entrepreneurs make more money and run their businesses more effectively. Further, building strategic alliances with these groups enhances NAWBO's visibility and status as a player in the overall economic development of the region.
3. Discounted membership in NAWBO NW. This would be different than the "Emerging Business Owner" rate and would be decided on a cases-by-case basis.

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