If you’ve been anywhere near the West Midlands women in business community the last couple of years, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about The Great Women in Business Meetup (GWIB for short!). You might have seen the photos of smiling faces, deep conversations, and colourful programmes packed with information and incredible businesses. Or maybe you’ve heard about the powerhouse women behind the movement.
However you first heard our name, we want to let you in on The Story So Far, and why this is only the beginning.
What is the Great Women in Business Meetup?
Created through a collaboration of four successful women’s networks, GWIB was created to bring together like-minded women for connection, collaboration, and growth.
Their mission is simple: create a space where women in business can thrive!
This isn’t networking where you swap business cards and forget names by the end of the day. Oh no! It’s structured, meaningful, and designed to spark conversations that lead to lasting relationships and real opportunities. Every second of the event is dedicated to networking, from learning how to get the most out of your local networks to perfecting your 60-second pitch and everything in between. There’s nothing else like it out there!
Why does the Great Women in Business Meetup exist?
We know that being a woman in business, especially as a solopreneur or running a small team, can be both exhilarating and exhausting.
There are lots of wins, but the journey can be lonely, and who do you turn to when the challenges get too much? GWIB exists to bridge that gap and bring women together so they can share their experiences and wisdom, learn from industry experts and peers, and build trusted relationships that go far beyond the events.
Our attendees leave with new ideas, collaborations, and a renewed sense of motivation.
It’s all about creating a ripple effect. When one woman succeeds, she inspires the next, and the next…
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” Maya Angelou
When did it all begin?
On the 8th March 2024 (in association with International Women’s Day), 100+ women came together for the first ever Great Women in Business Meetup. The atmosphere was electric, the format was fresh, and the feedback was incredible.
“Thank you for a full day of community. Loved the table swaps and having the day in four parts.”
“Inspired and feel more enthusiastic about networking again.”
“The best group networking event I’ve ever attended.”
In September 2024, the GWIB’s official launch event took place to celebrate the success of the first event, what they had achieved so far, and to provide a chance for more women to join the movement by announcing they were doing it all again!
The second main Great Women in Business Meetup event returned in March 2025 at the National Conference Centre, Solihull, during International Women’s Day celebrations with a bigger venue, more attendees, and more opportunities to connect and grow.
How the Great Women in Business Meetup works.
Our events are designed to maximise both learning and networking for women in business at all stages of their journey. Here’s what you can expect:
- Masterclasses from leading voices in business.
- Café conversations, which allow you to meet a variety of people without the awkwardness in a fun way.
- Visibility zone where women showcase their businesses, products, or services.
- Thought leader talks on various aspects of networking with inspiring insights from our founders.
- Post-event connections with delegate lists and contact details so conversations continue long after the day ends.
- Refreshments and lunch!
Every element is intentional, so no one leaves feeling like they missed their moment.
Who makes it happen?
GWIB is a collaboration between four successful women in business networks and their founders:
Karen Heap – Socially Shared Business Network. The network was created to welcome women into a supportive space in which they could connect, share knowledge and learn over a cuppa. Over the years, Socially Shared has grown to host more than 11 meetings across the Midlands each month!
Sandra Garlick MBE – Woman Who. With Woman Who, Sandra provides a range of opportunities and events throughout the year, including awards, networking events, public speaker training, an online academy and the Mic Drop Moments podcast.
Sharon Louca – Women’s Business Network. It is an online network dedicated to providing a safe, supportive and empowering space for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn and flourish. Women’s Business Network is an inspiring community that celebrates the strength, resilience and boundless potential of women in the business world.
Dawn Owen – High Vibe Tribe. Her High Vibe Tribe is an online community where you can engage with others, ask questions, learn and make progress on a personal or business level. A vibrant but safe space to be inspired and motivated to succeed!
At the heart of our events, guiding the flow and energy, is our MC, Sandra Godley OBE, a woman who knows exactly how to connect a room full of brilliant people.
The role of our sponsors.
Anyone who organises events will understand the value and importance of event sponsors, and GWIB is no different. None of these events would be possible without the generosity and belief of the women who step up and shine a light on their business. They share our vision for creating spaces where women in business can thrive, and their support allows us to host events that are high-quality, welcoming, and full of opportunity.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors for walking alongside us as we grow GWIB into something extraordinary.
The story is just beginning.
If you’ve ever wanted to expand your network, learn from inspiring businesswomen, and be part of something that’s growing from the ground up, now’s the time to get involved. There are considerable benefits to attending the launch event, including special offers not available to anyone else and a chance to win the full cost of your main event ticket back. Be the first to hear details about the Great Women in Business Meetup 2026, get early access to tickets, be in the room for a BIG reveal, and meet the team.
Be part of something big by joining us at the launch event on Monday 8th September, which marks the next chapter for GWIB. We’d love you to be part of it! Grab your launch ticket HERE
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“It’s been one of the most inspirational days, with beautiful, talented, high vibe women in business. I felt like part of something special.”