About Us
West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs serves the needs of women entrepreneurs in Chicago's western suburbs. Our members own a variety of businesses throughout the region, including Oak Park, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Lombard and Naperville, to name a few. They include women business owners just getting started and seasoned entrepreneurs with years of experience, in addition to small business owners.
Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Holiday Inn Countryside LaGrange Hotel — also known as the William Tell Banquet Hall — 6201 W. Joliet Road, Mariann Room, Countryside, Illinois; 708-352-1101 (map).
Mission
West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs provides support and encouragement to entrepreneurial women in business by developing strong, empowering relationships and by providing a forum for programs that educate and facilitate women's growth in business and in all aspects of their lives.
Vision
West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs leads the western suburbs as the premier educational and networking organization for women seeking to better their businesses, their communities, the world.
History
West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs was formed in the fall of 2002 by three west suburban business women—Linda Calabrese, Susie Duboe-Bryant and Sharon Keogh—who were members of the Network of Women Entrepreneurs, a group that meets monthly at the East Bank Club in downtown Chicago. Their vision was to create a similar group association of women business owners that would serve the needs of women entrepreneurs based in Chicago's western suburbs.
After the initial meeting in September 2002 drew 48 women, the founders' suspicions that there was a need to fill was confirmed. A core group of 20 women business owners met for a roundtable discussion about the group's formation shortly after the first meeting, a board of directors was chosen, and regular meetings began in February of 2003.
WSWE provides…
- Networking - Develop relationships that become a critical source of support and inspiration and lead to new business opportunities.
- Support - Meet women who understand your challenges and can provide encouragement and share practical solutions.
- Education - Learn from experts with the information you need to continue to grow both professionally and personally.
- Referrals - Make professional connections that will lead to new business opportunities.
By joining the western suburbs' premier group for women entrepreneurs, you can be part of a network of women who provide support and encouragement to one another through various avenues. We are confident that being a member of this group will enhance your business, your contacts and your bottom line.
Find out more about the benefits of WSWE membership when you join us or visit us at our next event.
“"I enjoy my membership with WSWE and have gained knowledge, support and great networking from the group. I have found it invaluable".