About this Event
Join us for the Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala, the signature annual celebration by NAWBO Richmond recognizing outstanding women entrepreneurs and community leaders in the Greater Richmond area. This year’s gala features our awards program across five categories. Entrepreneur of the Year, Next Gen Women Business Owner of the Year, NAWBO Richmond Member of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, and Innovative Woman of the Year.
In addition to honoring these remarkable finalists and their stories, the event will include a silent auction. Proceeds support NAWBO Richmond’s educational programming and community outreach to empower women business owners in the region.
Get involved as an auction donor or event sponsor: [email protected].
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Interested in Sponsoring?
Join us as a sponsor of the Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala & Silent Auction. Your partnership will support NAWBO Richmond's ongoing efforts to provide educational programming, scholarships, and community outreach that equip women business owners with the tools and resources they need to grow, thrive, and scale their businesses. In the process, you'll engage a highly connected and motivated audience of Richmond's top business leaders and their networks via an extensive list of benefits including social media, email, and on-site event activations.
2027 WE Sponsorship Packet
Sponsorship Interest Form
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Want to participate in our Silent Auction?
NAWBO Richmond is seeking donations in the forms of tangible items, experiences, and services to be auctioned off at our silent auction!
We are looking for items such as (but not limited to) gift cards, tickets, gift baskets, giveaways, etc, with a range of price points. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your business spotlighted and shared with the NAWBO community! If you or your business would like to contribute to this event, please fill out the Auction Donation Form linked below.
Please note that ALL item donations must come with a physical certificate or the item itself provided by the donating organization.
Auction Donation Form
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Want to make a nomination?
Think of a woman in your life who has demonstrated success, strong leadership, and resilience. You may nominate anyone, and you are encouraged to self-nominate! NAWBO Membership is not required to be nominated for certain awards. Criteria must have been obtained between January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026.
Nomination Criteria
Woman of Excellence Nomination Form
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What is the dress code?
Dress in winter cocktail attire and prepare to network, celebrate and raise a toast to bold leadership and meaningful impact in Richmond’s business community. Your ticket includes a cocktail hour and plated dinner.
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More about NAWBO Richmond
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest-growing segment of the economy.
Since 1975, NAWBO has been the only membership organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; with chapters across the country. With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource that propels women business owners into greater economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.
Our Mission
NAWBO is an organization that works to:
- Strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promote economic development
- Create innovative and effective changes in the business culture
- Build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations
- Transform public policy and influence opinion
Event venue & nearby stays
The Boathouse, 4708 E. Old Main Street, Richmond, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.