Our Mission

History

In 1995, a group of women who were CEOs and founders of growing companies drew together to share experiences, knowledge, and support -- with each other and with a growing population in the Philadelphia area that could be defined as "the new woman entrepreneur."  The group named itself the Women's Investment Network (WIN), and focused on access to capital. 

Over time, we focused on our programming, bringing members and the community a wide range of presentations from industry leaders.  Over the years, our programs have covered everything from modes of access to capital to the changing role of the management team, from finding federal funding to building strategic alliances.  The group became known as well for the personal, respectful, and intentional way that members find support through person-to-person introductions and access to useful resources. 

AWE is actively committed to building an infrastructure that will continue to attract local women-led businesses and their leaders to the organization, that will reach out to future women entrepreneurs and leaders in the area's business programs, and that will help attract potential business to the region. We are working to advance the growth potential of women-led businesses -- and women business leaders. 

In 2010, to reflect that the mission goes beyond access to capital, the name was changed to the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).