FAQs – About CWCC

What is the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC)?

CWCC is one of the largest women’s chambers of commerce in the country with a community of over 435 member businesses and 1,800 individual members representing a wide variety of both for- and non-profit organizations. Our mission is to provide women and those that identify as women opportunities that better our community and economy, help women grow their businesses and their careers; ultimately finding success in work and in life. 

We serve our mission and our members through a variety of programs, workshops, and events.

How old is CWCC?

CWCC was founded in 1988 by a group of nine women to give women a voice in business, support women in business and provide resources to help them succeed. Women own 10.6 million businesses in the United States and employ 19.1 million workers – that’s one in every seven employees. Women-owned businesses account for .5 trillion in sales. Colorado is ranked first in the country for economic success, and second in the country for most entrepreneurial.

Why should I join CWCC?

For more than 33 years, CWCC has been a vital part of the Colorado business community. Our mission is to provide women opportunities that better our community and economy, help women grow their businesses and their careers; ultimately finding success in work and in life.

Joining CWCC is an effective business strategy. A national survey* of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., is a chamber board member), consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

* The study was conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm. It was commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Additional benefits of joining:

• Network with organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies
• Access to 435 members and 1800 individuals from those member organizations
• Access to development opportunities for business and career growth
• Your not just part of a chamber, but part of a movement for women in business

What’s the difference between CWCC and other chambers?

We like to say we are “transformational, versus transactional.” We focus on supporting this for women and those that identify as women in three ways:

• Relationships: While we are a business organization and encourage our members to do business with one another, the way a lot of women do business is different. A lot of women are relationship focused and want to do business with someone they trust and know first. They also like to have options.
• Our culture: CWCC is comprised primarily of professional women from different backgrounds who focus on how they can support and partner with one another.
• Development Opportunities:  In order to change the statistics around women in business, we work to provide programs, education, advocacy, resources, and tools that will support the growth and advancement of women business owners and women advancing in careers. We also build networking opportunities into our programs and events for more intimate interactions.

How does joining CWCC help me as a small business owner?

More than half of CWCC members are small business owners. Small businesses represent the largest segment of our membership. The national study*indicates that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members. If respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys:

• 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating
• 73% increase in consumer awareness
• 68% increase in its local reputation
• 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future

Join us today by completing our online membership application or contact our staff at info@cwcc.org or 303.458.0220.

Can men join CWCC?

Yes. CWCC has grown to be one of the largest women’s chambers in the country by being inclusive – men are not only members, but part of our leadership.

Who are the members?

CWCC has a broad-base of members representing more than 400 Denver businesses and 1,000 members ranging in size, revenue, industry and strategic focus. Our members range from presidents and CEOs to small business owners, from large corporations to small non-profit organizations.

jon the ranks of other women in business by completing our online membership application or contact our staff at info@cwcc.org or 303.458.0220.

What if I don’t have time to participate?

Please consider sending another company representative or representatives, who may want to participate any of in our professional development programs and events. Regardless of participation, CWCC is a voice for women in business and your membership supports our mission.

What are the CWCC’s benefits?

• ACCESS: to top business and community leadership, as well as local lawmakers and officials.
• CONNECTIONS: to business prospects and opportunities to reach new audiences; to build relationships and participate in more than 100 business development events including round tables, monthly luncheons, business after hours, workshops, educational seminars and networking programs, as well as access to the quarterly President’s Circle Receptions for corporate memberships.
• EDUCATION & RESOURCES: to build and enhance skills with leadership and professional development workshops and programs.
• INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS: to learn more about business trends and public policy issues from our website and publications.
• VISIBILITY: to more than 5,700 business and community leaders who attend our events including our Signature events: Top 25 Most Powerful Women, ATHENA Conference & Award Dinner, Soiree at Sunset, Annual Awards Luncheon and Champions of Change legislative event; as well as over 100 educational and networking events.

My company is interested in sponsorship. What opportunities are available at CWCC?

The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce presents and conducts approximately 100 workshops, educational seminars and events annually attended by more than 3,500 people each year. This variety of programming provides outstanding, high-visibility opportunities for sponsors to participate in and support our mission of advocacy around empowering women in business, pay equity, placing women on boards and honoring individuals and businesses for the work they do on our behalf.

As a sponsor, your company or organization will receive special recognition that provides exposure to Metro-Denver’s top executives, community leaders and media. Your sponsorship sends a strong message that your brand is aligned with CWCC’s mission to support our members’ business success. For more information contact Hilary Engelhart, Marketing & Events Manager at 303.458.0220 or hengelhart@cwcc.org.