Business Growth Through Collaboration
Gain access to an exclusive network of women business owners for support and growth within your communities.
Who We Are
The Women’s Business Initiative (“WBI”) is an exclusive advocacy group for women business owners to grow their companies by creating a collaborative network that provides resources in achieving this goal. The WBI also seeks to develop an economic infrastructure within its community to support and facilitate the growth of women businesses.
How We Help
The Women’s Business Initiative offers services that provide a motivational and educational perspective on fundamental issues challenging growing business. Delivering thought provoking and frank accounts of their experiences, our presenters give our members the drive to develop forward-thinking ideas and strategies to build their organizations and grow their companies.
The WBI is dedicated to the concept of business growth through collaboration. Its exclusive network will offer resources that address the following best business practices:
- Optimizing Your Brand
- Problem-solving Concierge Service
- Pre-screened Service Providers
- Access to In-person and Online Resources
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Government Regulation Navigation
- Model Policies & Procedures
- Managing Your Employees
- Legal Pitfall
Our Members
Apply to join a select group of peers with similar interests to tackle issues affecting your businesses. Your group will set the tone, pace and goals of your chosen topic in a professionally facilitated environment. Participant numbers are strictly limited, ensuring all have the opportunity to share their problems and solutions to commonly shared challenges.
Board of Directors
Aaliyah Al-Mahdi, The People’s Parlor
Anne Beatrice Baker, ATMO Architecture
Benita Smith, Adorned Abode
Courtney Farmer, MADE Law
Danette Knowles, Wag Pet Market
Gail Ringrose, T Town Apparel
Heather Chitty, Madres Kitchen
Kristina Maritczak, Align Real Estate
Nichole Lyons, VESC Solutions
Nicole Coope, Kanoa Consulting
Rachel Nichols, Lucere Design
Advisory Board
Ali Modarres, Asst. Chancellor for Community Engagement, UW Tacoma
Catherine Rudolph, Strategic Advisor for Economic Dev., Pierce Co. Exec. Office
Domonique Juleon, Chief Program Officer, Business Impact NW
Don Morrison, CEO & Partner, TractionSpace
Elis Salamone, Lean In Women Veterans & Lean In Seattle Chapter
Gloria Fletcher, Business Development Manager, City of Tacoma CED
Holly Bamford Hunt, Director, Bamford Foundation
Janet Kruzel, Investment Advisor (Retired)
Joe Sky-Tucker, Executive Director & CEO, Business Impact NW
Joy Johnson, Commercial Loan Officer, Commencement Bank
Katrina Self, Attorney, Eisenhower Carlson
Sarah Champion, Dir. of Operations, SiteCrafting
Shellie Willis, Founder & CEO, Redefining You Foundation
Tuan Ngo, Founder & Architect, Tango Architect Inc.
Latest from WBI
USAVET 2021 Stand Down in Tacoma, Washington
The term, “Stand Down,” refers to a one- to three-day event in which Veterans Administration staff and volunteers provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans receive referrals for resources such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services. This year’s
City of Tacoma Establishes Revitalization Grant Program
— Micro Businesses of Five or Fewer Employees, Including Owners, Eligible for Grants of Up to $10,000 Each — TACOMA, Wash. — In an effort to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 on Tacoma’s micro businesses, defined as five or fewer employees including owners, the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department has established
WBI Upcoming Events
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Women’s Business Initiative
1901 Jefferson Ave. Ste. 105
Tacoma, WA 98402