Frederick is fortunate to have a number of local organizations dedicated to supporting and connecting the women of Frederick’s business community.
Below we highlight just 7 of these local resources:
Woman to Woman Mentoring
W2WM is a non-profit organization that provides women with guidance, support, & community connections through mentoring relationships.
The organization’s mentoring opportunities include:
CORE Mentoring - which assists women who desire personal and professional guidance by providing a supportive environment for goal planning, skill building, and personal development. This is a free program for women ages 18-35 who live/work/go to school in Frederick County.
Women In STEM - which connects STEM women students with STEM women professionals as mentor and role models. This is a free program for women undergraduate students who live/work/go to school in Frederick or Carroll County.
Mentoring Circles - which offer short-term, group-based workshops specifically geared towards women who want to explore “what’s next”! Mentoring Circles allow participants to be both the mentor AND the mentee. This is a free program for women ages 35+ who live/work/go to school in Frederick County.
Learn how to become involved at Woman to Woman Mentoring, Inc.
2. Maryland Women’s Business Center
The MWBC helps men and women who want to start or grow a business in Frederick County. The organization offers free one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, and training classes. The MWBC counselors mostly work with women but men are welcome as well. The organization supports all for-profit businesses across all industries.
The MWBC has templates and worksheets to help entrepreneurs think through all the steps of starting and running a business. The local consultant helps entrepreneurs understand the business planning process and gives feedback on their business plan and financials. The counseling helps entrepreneurs identify their ideal clients and brainstorm ways to reach them. Other topics of discussion might be hiring employees and managing difficult customer situations.
The organization also offers networking and learning opportunities.
3. Frederick County Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Council
The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council advocates for, supports, and inspires women in the building industry by providing opportunities for both professional and personal development/engagement of its members.
PWB members work in all aspects of the building industry—as owners, builders, remodelers, architects, suppliers, marketing experts, designers, finance, and real estate.
Learn more at: Professional Women in Building - Frederick County Building Industry Association (frederickbuilders.org)
4. Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee
The Women in Business committee's mission is to empower and develop women through education, networking, mentoring and partnerships and to promote opportunities for all women throughout Frederick County.
In addition to offering year-round networking & learning opportunities, the committee is the force behind the Chamber’s signature event: S.H.E. Week — an award-winning, week-long celebration of Strength, Heart, and Equality of women in business. The event features inspiring speakers & workshops, networking opportunities, awards honoring local stand-outs, and a live pitch competition with cash prizes.
Get involved at: Women In Business | Frederick County Chamber of Commerce - Frederick County Chamber of Commerce (frederickchamber.org)
5. W.I.S.H. Women Inspiring Supporting and Helping
W.I.S.H. is a women’s networking group that focuses on building each other up both personally and in business while also supporting our community. WISH meets the first Thursday morning of every month at Canapés in Frederick and has a monthly evening outing.
Anyone interested is welcome to join - there are no requirements apart from buying your breakfast and bringing various needed items for the evening events.
Explore the member directory, recent events, and how to get involved at: WISH Women Unite | WISH - Women Inspiring Supporting & Helping
6. Women’s Business Network
The Women’s Business Network of Frederick is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inform, encourage, and support women in their quest to grow their businesses. The network offers luncheon meetings with interactive workships each month, as well as after-work socials.
There is no pressure to supply leads and no sales pitches. The organization is fully committed to building connections and relationships.
Get involved at: Women's Business Network (wbnfrederick.org)
7. Women’s Council of Realtors
The network, chartered in 2006, is dedicated to providing a business resource to all local real estate agents and affiliated businesses, men and women, as well as mentoring and leadership opportunities, local and national networking, and educational programs.
The organization prides itself in content-rich meetings, with expert speakers who offer information that directly benefits our members in their businesses. ITs meetings provide regular opportunities to build productive relationships, have fun and further your career at the same time.
Learn more at: Welcome to Women's Council of Realtors of Frederick, MD! (wcrfrederickmd.org)
Looking to get involved with the Frederick business community, or know of another organization you’d like to see us spotlight? Contact our department at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov.