Join the Women's Business Council.

We welcome all woman-identifying applicants who are open to peer advising, who can uphold our confidentiality agreements, and who meet the following criteria:

  • A business owner with:

    •  at least 3 years of operation; 

    • $300k in gross revenue or more in the next 12-months; and

    • at least 2 full time employees or several 1099 contractors.

OR

  • Senior leader within a larger organization with:

    • at least 3 years of operation;

    • manage a team of employees;

    • Carry day-to-day operational & financial responsibilities; and,

    • are key in financial strategy and decisions for a $1 million plus budget.

We welcome non-profit leaders and people who have met the above criteria recently, but have sold or transitioned the business and are on to the next entrepreneurial endeavor. More than anything, we want to create a dynamic peer group where we can learn from each other. 

We encourage you to apply even if you aren’t sure you qualify. We will work through the details together.

Yes, I’m Interested!

What Happens Next?

Once you submit an interest form, we’ll schedule a 30 minute introductory call to tell you more about the program and learn more about you. You can also schedule a 30 minute call with Maren before you complete an interest form. Our goal at the beginning of the process is simply to share our intention for the program and to answer your questions.

Each potential member will then complete a full program application and participate in a 60 minute mutual-interview. We will also conduct a conflict of interest check on the business/industry to ensure there aren’t business conflicts between members within each chapter.

Applicants who meet our program criteria, are committed to upholding our confidentiality agreements and are available to engage in the majority of program events will be welcomed into the Fall 2024 cohort.   

Our application process will stay open until we have filled the program with 15-18 members.

FAQS

Program Details

Program cost: The Women’s Business Council program is $4,620. There is no membership application fee or registration fee.  This includes:

  • Monthly workshops & peer councils, which include outside speakers

  • Two social gatherings

  • Member-only annual offsite with extended workshop

  • Personalized coaching session

  • Sounding board sessions 

  • Two executive advising sessions

  • Private and secure online hub for our community

Timing: The program is 12 months and we intend to have the Portland chapter begin November 2024, but this date may push back if we haven’t reached our minimum membership number.  The program is an annual commitment and runs from November 2024 - October 2025.

Location of meetings: the majority of our monthly meetings will be in-person in Portland. 

Program size: our program is created to support 15-18 members who meet the eligibility criteria below. 

Member Experience

Our program is multi-dimensional and designed to create generative personal and business growth. Members will be supported on many levels — through mindfulness  practices, as well as with our rich network of seasoned advisors, facilitators and mentors.

We will get deep into business strategy utilizing a peer-advisory format, learning from, and supporting one another in our entrepreneurial growth. This program is designed to support practiced entrepreneurs and seasoned executives who self-identify as women.

  • While there are many different executive leadership programs, the Women’s Business Council is the only local offering for women business leaders and owners of smaller organizations that integrates individual support through coaching and advising and group learning with workshops and peer councils.

  • We compensate our program facilitators and coaches and provide honorariums for outside speakers. The membership fees also go towards costs associated with monthly workshops (room/equipment rental, food & beverages) and social gatherings.

  • Beset’s mission is to eliminate the wealth gap in the United States. Our initial programs are focused on supporting women. We believe that by addressing systemic barriers and providing opportunities for women to thrive, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. Our commitment is rooted in research that demonstrates the transformative impact of empowering women on economic growth, health, innovation, and poverty reduction.

A POWERFUL COLLABORATION

  • The Women’s Business Coucil was founded by Beset in 2020. A key tenant of the program model is to have fluid and dynamic leadership, which is made possible by strong partnerships.

  • The Women’s Business Council of Portland Metro is launching in collaboration with affirma consultancy. It’s a dream come true to have Tia B. Coachman as our co-chair and lead coach to our members

  • Hatch Consulting has been a partner of the Women’s Business Council since 2020 and is a key partner in program growth. Maren Reed has been critical to the evolution of our Gorge program in her role as Chair, as well as fractional COO at Beset.

    Hatch Consulting

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