Membership
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWE?
Austin Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an exclusive and highly connected non-profit organization dedicated to building a legacy of women's entrepreneurship for Austin. Our mission is to provide powerful resources, networking, leadership, mentoring, and education in order to empower our members to grow their own businesses. Limited to 200 women, we are creating an intimate community of Austin's most prominent women entrepreneurs, and developing valuable relationships among enterprising women of all ages.
How long has it been around?
AWE was founded in the Spring of 2007.
Who are its members?
Our membership base consists of women entrepreneurs from a wide variety of businesses, in various stages of growth. Since we are not focused on business size or revenue, we attract women entrepreneurs who are passionate, innovative, and committed to growing their businesses. Some of us are in the early stages of developing our brands, others are more established, accomplished entrepreneurs, yet all of us are committed to the hard work and dedication that is required to grow our businesses.
How often do you get together?
Our signature event, the Inspire-Support-EmpowerTM Guest Speaker series, is a bi-monthly, exclusive gathering during which we get together over cocktails and appetizers, and feature a prominent guest speaker. Held on the first Thursday of every other month, these events are limited to 25 women per gathering and provide a valuable opportunity to engage with influential leaders in business, politics, and social services in an intimate, round table setting.
In 2009, we will be launching bi-monthly member-led workshops on topics related to the members' areas of expertise.
What are the membership criteria?
To qualify for membership in Austin Women Entrepreneurs, a prospective applicant must be a female founder and owner of a for-profit business in Austin, Texas. She must be actively growing her business, passionate about entrepreneurship, and committed to being an active participant in AWE.
What are the benefits of membership?
AWE members have access to an elite group of Austin's top women entrepreneurs! AWE is a highly selective organization with a limited membership base of 200 members. Thus, our members represent the best of women entrepreneurship in Austin.
AWE Members are invited to attend our bi-monthly Inspire-Support-EmpowerTM Guest Speaker series and our bi-monthly member-led workshops.
Members have access to our exclusive online member directory, and our quickly growing list of programs and events.
What are my obligations as a member?
Members are required to:
- Pay annual membership dues;
- Volunteer at least 10 hours to AWE or provide a 10% discount on products or services to fellow AWE members;
- Serve on either the Board of Directors or a Leadership Committee once every five years.
How do I apply?
Membership is a multi-step process. The first step is to come as a guest to one of our I-S-E events in order to get a feel for the group (email membership@aweaustin.org for more info). After the event, we will email a membership application which is then submitted to the Membership Committee and Board of Directors for approval.
How much does it cost?
AWE members pay a one-time joining fee of $500, and an annual membership fee of $300.
Corporate memberships are available for organizations with more than one owner/founder.
Do you offer corporate memberships for organizations with more than one owner/founder?
Though we offer corporate memberships, each individual owner must submit an application and be approved for membership. Once approved, the corporation pays a one-time $500 joining fee, and each individual member pays an annual membership fee of $300.
What does the membership fee cover?
AWE is a non-profit organization that is funded entirely through membership dues. All AWE events are free to members (including food and wine). In addition, member dues are used to pay for the design and development of the website, 4 hours per week of part-time administrative support (including Board and Membership Committee support, marketing & advertising, logistics & operations, and organizational development), and miscellaneous items (such as legal fees, bank fees, stationary, and office expenses).
Do you prorate the membership fee based on initiation date?
No. The membership year begins upon receipt of payment (one-time payment of $500 plus $300 annual membership fee = total due of $800). Each subsequent year, your annual membership fee of $300 is due on your anniversary date.