Building a Business Community Where Women Don’t Just Connect—They Grow
- May 24
- 2 min read
By Michelle Etheridge,
Co-Founder Women In Business RVA, LLC
The strength of women supporting each other has never been more visible than it is with Women In Business RVA, LLC (WIBRVA). What started as a vision between myself, Michelle Etheridge, and Amy Garelick has grown into an expanding community. We saw a gap in the networking business scene—where networking felt more like small talk than a tool for real growth—and decided to change that.
WIBRVA was built with intention: to create a space where women could connect not just socially, but also professionally and strategically. Today, it’s a place where growth happens through real collaboration—whether it's during hands-on workshops, goal-focused planning sessions, or open, welcoming free networking events we call Serendipity. The free monthly networking is always free and open to all. WIBRVA drew 353 attendees between October 2023 and March 2025, with each event welcoming more new faces—13.1% growth per meetup, to be exact.
What makes WIBRVA unique is how practical and empowering the experience is. From perfecting your elevator pitch and navigating social media to learning how to use tools like Google Ads, every resource is geared toward helping women level up. Their strategic planning sessions go deeper, helping members get clear on their goals and map out a solid plan for success.
WIBRVA’s fundamental purpose is to unite women through referrals, collaborations, and accountability. And the results speak for themselves—many members, even those new to networking, have found their confidence and voice in this supportive environment, expanding their networks far beyond the group.
Thanks to its inclusive approach and a clear sense of purpose, WIBRVA has earned the backing of 18 sponsors who believe in their mission. It’s proof that when women lift each other up, real momentum builds—for businesses and for the community.
For women looking to grow professionally and build lasting relationships, WIBRVA is more than a networking group—it’s a launchpad for meaningful, sustainable success.
To help make every networking moment count, we created a tool called CONNECT. It’s a practical guide designed to help women get the most out of their interactions—from preparing ahead of time to following up after. CONNECT helps women turn introductions into lasting, supportive relationships. It reflects WIBRVA’s belief in offering useful, actionable tools that genuinely support women in business.
By cultivating intentional, trust-based connections, WIBRVA is more than a strategy—it’s a way to build the kind of community where women prosper together.
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