WSBA History

WSBA™ was founded in 2007 by Susan Miller, owner of several small businesses including Pittsburgh Candle Company and Miller Promotions.  Susan has been involved in several networking groups, but she always felt they were missing something for the female small business owners.  Frustrated by an inability to change the other orgainzations, Susan developed what was to become the Women's Small Business Association™.  WBSA's number one goal is to have business women help other women in business.  Susan also felt that brand new business owners were struggling enough to make their business work while still making a profit.  She wanted them to be able to network without the hefty membership fees usually associated with other organizations.  

WSBA™ also felt that those who needed additional marketing and public relations should have viable options.  With that in mind, the Premier Membership was created.  Premier Membership focuses on business marketing and branding that will help  members grow their business to to the next level. 

WSBA™ members not only help each other, they constantly work to make their communities a better place to live and work..  WBSA supports organizations that help women and children such as the Twilight Wish Foundation.  WSBA members also participate in many Pittsburgh supported events, including the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

WSBA™ utilizes member services as we continue to grow.  Premier and General Members volunteer for numerous positions within WSBA™.  Our new Advisory Board was put into place to continue to give direction to the over 300 members of WSBA™.  As membership grows, so does the Western Pennsylvania area of coverage.  From Allegheny County we have branched into Beaver, Butler and Washington Counties.  We plan to one day soon have events within the entire state of Pennsylvania.

WSBA™ holds two Premier events and two Major events throughout the year.  They include: Annual Awards Event and Small Business Women Week along with Spring and Fall events.  In addition to the Best Business Woman of Pittsburgh, we also recognize a Community Service Volunteer and WSBA Business Women of the Year.

WSBA™ is proud of all the business women who volunteer their time to make us a success and keep us moving to bigger and better times.  We garner the spirit in which we were founded, Women helping other women. 

WBSA Directors

Susan Miller -
        Founder/Executive Director

Sydney Schwartz Haridman -
        Managing Director

Naja Brown -
        Membership Director/Calendar    
        Administrator

Lee Drozak -
        Virtual Assistant


WSBA Advisory Board

Judy Bossart - Nurturing Hands Massage
Naja Brown - Northwood Realty
Lee Drozak - My Office Assistant
Sydney Hardiman - The Silken Scissor
Alexis Parker - Luminescent Events
Camellia Puffer - Primerica
Jen Stevens - U1st Financial