What is Business First, women who mean business? 

Business First, Women Who Mean Business, commenced in 2007 and was a small group of business women seeking to network within the group to expand their business. 

What are the requirements and restrictions? 

A woman must be in business for herself. This business must be her primary source of income. She must submit an application and be interviewed through the Membership Committee. Business First only allows 1 professional per category and the applicant's business cannot interfere or compete with any member. 

How much are membership dues? 

Yearly dues are $50.00. Renewing members are expected to pay by January 1 of the year, but are allowed an extension through the month if necessary.

When a new member joins, dues are prorated as follows: 
 January through March = $50.00
 April through June = $37.50
 July through September = $25.00
 October through December = $12.50 ​

What are the benefits of joining business first, women who mean business? 

A few major benefits in joining Business First: 
*Non-compete membership
*Reasonable annual dues
*Automatic exposure on the internet via our website and public Facebook page
*A private Facebook group to stay connected with Business First members, which in turn keeps members up to date with any changes, meetings, functions, etc...
*Diverse group of women. Business First has members with 30 years of experience in one field as well as newcomers who are starting out professionally. This diversity assist every member. The inexperienced have mentors while the more experienced are often reminded of little things they have taken for-granted or forgotten. Business First acknowledges every member has something  to bring to the table. The only requirement here is to be a "Woman Who Means Business!" 
*Business First holds networking socials, workshops, a monthly women's luncheon and teaches education from what to wear when meeting potential clients to how to conduct yourself professionally, just to name a few! 
*We hold our members accountable for networking. 

Where do I find out if my profession is still available? 

We are currently working on a website page to list seats that are taken and seats remaining available. IE: Insurance professional spots are filled but positions for a CPA, Florist, and Hair Stylist are available.

With all the professions women have taken on, there are plenty of seats left to accept new members! Be sure to contact us here on the site or through our Business First public page for more information. 

What is the process for joining? 

You are welcome to attend 2 meetings in one calendar year to decide if Business First is a good fit for you. Should you feel it is, you would complete an application and the Membership Committee will contact you for an interview. Once an interview is complete, a courtesy notice of your pending position is sent to members to establish there are no conflicts of interest. Members are given a 72 hour period to respond. When it is established there is no conflict of interest, your membership is approved, you pay your dues and you are now a Business First member. There are also By-laws and a Code of Conduct to sign upon approval. 

After you are approved, you will send your head shot, personal name as you wish it listed on the site, your business name, business phone, and business email as it is to be listed in the directory to the membership committee so they can forward your information to have it placed on the website. You are also sent an invite to the private group on Facebook. ALL of the above mentioned exposure is included in your membership. 

Where and when does business first hold meetings? 

Business First holds our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. October is a private meeting to secure officers for the next year and December is private for our Christmas party. 

Our meetings are currently held at Humana located at 4422 Ambassador Caffery in Lafayette from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
​Members are marked as absent at 11:45 when the meeting officially commences.