A Brief History of The Bucks County Women's Business Forum

Founder, Chanin Walsh

The Bucks County Women’s Business Forum (www.womensbusinessforum.org) is a non-profit organization providing support, mentoring and inspiration to women entrepreneurs. The Forum is an association of individuals who encourage and support entrepreneurship, achievement and success in business. The mission is to support and inspire excellence, learning and growth in business.

The Bucks County Women’s Business Forum was founded by Chanin Walsh of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in 2002 after being inspired, empowered and encouraged by her participation in the Women’s Network of Akron, Ohio.

According to Chanin:

“In the early 1990s, I had heard it said by friends and family, coworkers, and even some college professors, that women in corporate America had a tendency to be cut-throat, competitive, cunning, vindictive and sometimes downright catlike. It was at that time that I decided to part with my beloved Mustang convertible, gather up my savings and launch my own graphic design business. I was excited and naive. Both, in hindsight, were a blessing in disguise. At that time, I lived in a small town in Ohio and somewhere, somehow, I needed to find new clients. I had no idea where to begin.

On a cold, overcast morning, I entered a family restaurant with my business cards still drying in my shiny new briefcase to attend the “Women in Business” meeting run by the Women’s Network of Akron, Ohio. From that day forward, my opinion of women in business changed.

I was immediately welcomed with warm smiles and friendly handshakes. We took our seats while the room was buzzing with conversation and a tall, beautiful woman welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Already, I was intimidated!

One by one the women began to introduce themselves. Panic set in. I hadn’t a clue what to say. Just then, a woman about my age confidently informed the group that she was a graphic designer and would be happy to assist with members’ logos or brochures. I was sure I had come face to face with the catlike stereotype, and the cat had my tongue! 

I stumbled and stuttered through my own unrehearsed introduction, and to my surprise, no one laughed and no cane tugged on my midriff! The speaker introduced herself as a CPA specializing in start-up businesses. ‘Perfect,’ I thought.  If I could catch a minute with her after the meeting, I could cross off number four on my growing to-do list! 

I became relaxed and exhilarated as the conversations centered on business. No one preached about membership or asked for donations. There were no signs of gossip or even competition. The discussions were enlightening, informative and important to my new business venture and the women offered support. Even the dreaded “competition” from across the room approached me afterwards and offered assistance.

Thanks to the inspiration and support of the women in that room, my business grew and prospered. My life was fuller and the friendships are life long. And those same women supported me when I made the difficult decision to close my business, leave an unhealthy personal relationship and embark on a new journey in Bucks County.

That first Akron meeting was 12 years ago, and it seems like yesterday. Those women and their contributions to one another, me and women in business follow me every day and inspired me to found a similar organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I founded the Bucks County Women’s Business Forum in May 2002.”

My experience in Akron changed my life forever, my goals now are to share that wonderful feeling of support and encouragement with all of you. Don't think for one moment that you can't do it....and when that devil on your shoulder starts chattering....come to a meeting and let our encouragement scilence him.

We are looking forward to meeting you!
Bucks County Women's Business Forum Founder,
Chanin Walsh