WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL (WBC)

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Women’s Business Council (WBC) is a dynamic network of business owners committed to supporting business growth and leadership development. The Council promotes collaboration, mentorship, and connection to help members grow professionally and personally. Through shared experiences and meaningful engagement, the WBC provides valuable resources and opportunities that empower individuals to succeed in business and beyond.

Who We Are and What We Do

Women’s Business Council (WBC) supports the mission and vision of the Chamber by organizing programming that creates opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development for women in business.

The WBC is comprised of experienced women business owners and nonprofit leaders who are dedicated to fostering professional growth and building a strong network of support for fellow female entrepreneurs and professionals in the Huntsville/Madison County region.

The Council is made up of no more than 18 and no fewer than 10 members, selected through an annual application process. Applications are accepted once a year, and new terms begin in January. Applications will open.

Council Membership Requirements:
To serve on the Women’s Business Council, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Chamber Membership: Must be a current member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber in good standing.
Business Status: Must hold a valid business license in Huntsville/Madison County or be a nonprofit organization with a valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
Independence: Businesses must be independently owned and operated. Nonprofits must operate independently of any government affiliation.
Ownership & Leadership:
- Applicant must be a woman business owner with at least 51% ownership who plays a key role in the financial and operational leadership of the company, OR
- A representative from a woman-owned business (51% or greater female ownership) with significant daily management responsibilities.
- Nonprofit representatives must be both the founder and CEO of the organization.
Business Tenure: Must have been in continuous operation for a minimum of three years prior to the beginning of the service term (January).
Commitment: Members must treat their business as their primary occupation and be willing to attend at least 50% of council events and 75% of council meetings.

Events & Engagement:
All professionals are welcome to attend events hosted by the Women’s Business Council, regardless of Chamber membership or business ownership status. These events are open to the community and provide opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside others in the business ecosystem. To attend, simply register through the Chamber’s Event Calendar.

The WBC is a community of driven and accomplished women working together to elevate one another and strengthen the local business landscape.

UPCOMING WBC EVENTS

RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

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Alabama has an estimated 180,234 women-owned businesses.

Alabama's woman-owned businesses employ just over 131,000 people.

Alabama's woman-owned businesses have combined sales of $29.2 billion.

Alabama has an estimated 180,234 women-owned businesses, employing over 131,000 people with a combined sales of $29.2 billion .
Alabama ranks 10th in the nation for the percentage of women-owned businesses, with 40.6% of total businesses being women-owned.
Alabama women-owned businesses have a payroll impact totaling over $5.1 billion to the state economy.

Source: US Census, 2023 Annual Business Survey

Source: US Census, 2021 Non-Employer Statistics