

WBC
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.
Apply to be on the 2026 Council! Applications are open now through October 3.
Who We Are and What We Do
The Women’s Business Council (WBC) is a collective of women leaders who bring breadth of industry experience, business growth, and deep community engagement. They are champions for innovation, mentorship, and advocacy, ensuring that women-led businesses remain a driving economic force in Huntsville and beyond. Members span sectors such as Defense, Construction, and Dental practices, as well as fields like Law, Marketing, HR, Finance, Co-Working, Psychiatric Care, and Tourism. This blend of industries demonstrates how women entrepreneurs and executives are driving innovation, supporting workforce needs, and building community impact across every part of the economy.
Fast facts about the Council:
• Companies range in size from fewer than 5 employees to firms employing more than 350 people.
• Revenues vary from under $1M to $25M+, representing both growing businesses and mature enterprises thriving under women’s leadership.
• These women are deeply invested in the Chamber and the local economy. Collectively:
–> Their annual investment in the Chamber exceeds $10,000, and
–> Their membership tenure spans 140 years.
If you are a woman business leader who wants to contribute your voice, expertise, and energy to this important work, we invite you to apply and join the Women’s Business Council. Together, we can continue to empower women in business and build a stronger economy. Applications are open now through October 3 and can be found here!
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.
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.
- Independence: Businesses must be independently owned and operated.
- 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.
- 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.
UPCOMING WBC EVENTS
RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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
RESOURCES
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FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

Ashley Engles-Ross, IOM
Vice President, Small Business
256-535-2043
Learn more about our Women’s Business Council