Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society

What Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society does

Bahrain Businesswomen's Society (BBWS) is a Bahrain-based non-profit professional membership organization founded in 2000 by 16 Bahraini businesswomen, operating as the first professional businesswomen's organization in the GCC region. The society serves women entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals through networking events, mentorship, training workshops, business development support, and advocacy for women's economic participation. Governance and delivery run through six dedicated committees: Executive, Membership, Events, Business Development, Media & Communication, and Training & Development. The organization is headquartered in Bu Ashirah, Kingdom of Bahrain, with a stated headcount of 51–100 employees and 67 renewed members reported in the 2026 membership cycle.

The business model is community-led and subscription-based. BBWS generates the bulk of its disclosed revenue stream via annual membership fees of BD 30–50 per member (approximately USD 80–133), with implicit additional revenue from sponsorship, event monetization, and institutional support across its 40+ partner ecosystem. Distribution is purely direct and domestic: members join via website inquiry or by contacting headquarters via phone or email ([email protected]), with no resellers or intermediaries. Marketing channels are predominantly organic — a bilingual (English/Arabic) website, Instagram (@bbs_bah), LinkedIn, Facebook, and an email newsletter — supplemented by in-person networking events, forums, and member referrals.

The partner ecosystem is a defining structural feature. BBWS collaborates with Bahrain's Supreme Council for Women, the Economic Development Board, Tamkeen, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and several government ministries, alongside major banks (BBK, National Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Islamic Bank, Kuwait Finance House, Gulf Finance House, Standard Chartered), leading corporates (Batelco, Bapco, Gulf Air, Zain, Lulu Group, Kanoo Group, EY), international organizations (UNIDO, WomenTech), and a broad set of media outlets. Revenue, ARR, and detailed financial metrics are not publicly disclosed; operations are funded through the combined membership, sponsorship, and event channels rather than through external equity investment, and no parent company, subsidiaries, funding rounds, or M&A activity are indicated.

Name

Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society

Legal name

Bahrain Businesswomen's Society

Website

https://bahrainbusinesswomen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bahrain Businesswomen's Society is a non-profit professional membership organization founded in 2000 that supports female entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives in Bahrain through networking, mentorship, training, and business development programs delivered via six committees and a 40+ partner ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Manama

HQ country

Bahrain

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: BBWS generates revenue through annual membership fees ranging from BD 30 to BD 50 per year. The membership fee structure supports the organization's operations, events, programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking activities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in Bahrain and the GCC.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bahrain Businesswomen's Society (BBWS) is a non-profit professional membership organization that supports women entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in Bahrain through annual membership, networking events, mentorship programs, training workshops, and business development initiatives. Founded in 2000 by 16 Bahraini businesswomen, it operates through six committees (Executive, Membership, Events, Business Development, Media & Communication, Training & Development) to deliver programs, visibility, and institutional liaison support for its members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BBWS Annual Membership

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• TamkeencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTamkeen (Labour Fund) is a key public-sector partner supporting Bahrain's economic development and workforce development. BBWS collaborates with Tamkeen on initiatives that promote women's economic participation and entrepreneurship.
• Supreme Council for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA national body dedicated to women's advancement in Bahrain. BBWS works closely with the Supreme Council for Women on advocacy, leadership development, and women's economic empowerment programs.
• Economic Development BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's flagship economic development agency. BBWS partners with the EDB on initiatives that advance women's participation in the Kingdom's economic and investment landscape.
• Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe leading chamber of commerce in Bahrain. BBWS collaborates with the BCCI to connect women entrepreneurs with the broader business community and institutional support.
• Ministry of Industry, Commerce and TourismmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA government ministry supporting industrial development, commerce, and tourism. BBWS partners with the ministry on business growth initiatives and regulatory dialogue for women in business.
• BBK (Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading banking institution in Bahrain. BBWS collaborates with BBK to provide financial support mechanisms and business growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
• National Bank of BahrainmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's national financial institution. NBB partners with BBWS to support women's access to banking services, investment opportunities, and financial literacy.
• Bahrain Islamic BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Sharia-compliant banking institution in Bahrain. BBWS partners with Bahrain Islamic Bank to support Islamic finance access for women entrepreneurs.
• Kuwait Finance HousemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading Islamic finance institution operating in Bahrain. BBWS collaborates with Kuwait Finance House to provide Islamic banking access for women-led businesses.
• Gulf Finance HousemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA regional investment bank and financial institution. BBWS partners with Gulf Finance House to support investment and financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
• Standard CharteredmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn international banking institution operating in Bahrain. Standard Chartered partners with BBWS to support women in business through financial services and corporate programs.
• BanagasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain National Gas Company. A corporate partner supporting BBWS initiatives and women's economic empowerment programs.
• BapcominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain Petroleum Company. A national energy corporation partner supporting BBWS's mission to empower women in business.
• BatelcominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's leading telecommunications provider. Batelco supports BBWS initiatives and programs through corporate sponsorship and collaboration.
• ZainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA telecommunications operator in Bahrain. Zain partners with BBWS to support digital connectivity and women in business initiatives.
• Gulf AirminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's national airline. Gulf Air supports BBWS as a corporate partner, contributing to events and initiatives for women entrepreneurs.
• Lulu GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA major multinational retail chain operating in the GCC. Lulu Group collaborates with BBWS to support women entrepreneurship and business growth opportunities.
• Kanoo GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA diversified business conglomerate in the GCC. Kanoo Group supports BBWS initiatives and women's leadership programs.
• EY (Ernst & Young)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA global professional services firm. EY collaborates with BBWS to provide business advisory, training, and mentorship support for women entrepreneurs.
• UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA United Nations agency promoting industrial development. UNIDO is an international partner supporting BBWS in areas of women's entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment.
• WomenTechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn international organization supporting women in technology. WomenTech collaborates with BBWS to promote women's participation in technology and digital innovation.
• GPIC (Gulf Petroindustries Company)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA regional industrial company. GPIC supports BBWS through corporate partnership and contributions to women's business initiatives.
• Bahrain Duty FreeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's duty-free retail operator. Bahrain Duty Free partners with BBWS to support events and initiatives for women in business.
• Y.K. AlmoayedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA business conglomerate in Bahrain. Y.K. Almoayed supports BBWS initiatives and women's entrepreneurship programs.
• Zayani MotorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn automotive business group in Bahrain. Zayani Motors collaborates with BBWS as a corporate partner.
• Al HawajminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA retail and commercial business group in Bahrain. Al Hawaj supports BBWS as a corporate partner.
• Al Zain JewellersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA prominent jewellery retailer in Bahrain. Al Zain Jewellers partners with BBWS to support women entrepreneurs.
• Bahrain Specialist HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading healthcare provider in Bahrain. Bahrain Specialist Hospital supports BBWS as a corporate partner.
• Naseem SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn educational institution in Bahrain. Naseem School collaborates with BBWS on community initiatives.
• Children and Mothers Welfare SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA social welfare organization in Bahrain. BBWS partners with this society on community engagement and women's welfare initiatives.
• Daily TribuneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading English-language newspaper in Bahrain. Daily Tribune supports BBWS through media coverage and visibility for women entrepreneurs.
• Gulf Daily NewsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA major English-language newspaper in Bahrain. Gulf Daily News provides media support for BBWS events and women's business stories.
• Akhbar Al KhaleejminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA prominent Arabic-language newspaper in Bahrain. Akhbar Al Khaleej supports BBWS media coverage and public awareness.
• Al AyamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading Arabic-language press and publishing house in Bahrain. Al Ayam provides media coverage for BBWS initiatives.
• Al Bilad NewspaperminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA widely-read Arabic newspaper in Bahrain. Al Bilad Newspaper supports BBWS with media coverage and visibility.
• Al Watan NewspaperminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA national Arabic newspaper in Bahrain. Al Watan Newspaper provides media support for BBWS events and programs.
• Bahrain Radio and Television CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's national broadcaster. Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation supports BBWS through broadcast media coverage of events and women's achievements.
• Bahrain Authority for Culture and AntiquitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA national authority overseeing culture and heritage in Bahrain. BBWS partners with this authority on cultural and community initiatives.
• Ministry of Information AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA government ministry overseeing media and information in Bahrain. BBWS collaborates on media visibility and public awareness initiatives.
• Ministry of Labour and Social DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA government ministry overseeing labour and social welfare. BBWS partners with the ministry on advocacy for women's participation in business and the workforce.
• Ministry of Transportation and TelecommunicationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA government ministry overseeing transportation and telecommunications. BBWS collaborates with the ministry on digital connectivity and women in technology initiatives.
• National Oil and Gas AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe national regulatory authority for oil and gas in Bahrain. NOGA supports BBWS as a government partner on economic development initiatives.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Largest domestic business membership body in Bahrain, with which BBWS is a strategic partner. Not a direct peer (broader male-inclusive membership) but relevant as the institutional ecosystem anchor and overlapping business-development member services.

Direct peers

• WEConnect International: Global non-profit connecting women-owned businesses to corporate and government buyers. Comparable as a membership-driven organization enabling women entrepreneurs through network access and institutional partnerships, though with a more global operational footprint.
• Dubai Businesswomen's Council: UAE-based businesswomen's council operating under Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Provides networking, mentorship, training, and government liaison services for women entrepreneurs in the GCC — same membership model and target audience as BBWS, but with a larger Dubai-based institutional backing.
• Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (FWE): MENA-focused federation of women entrepreneurs supporting businesswomen across Arab countries through networking, training, and advocacy. Comparable as a peer membership organization for women in business with similar mission alignment.
• Business Women Forum – Arab Region: Pan-Arab membership and advocacy organization supporting women entrepreneurs across the MENA region. Comparable in mission (women's economic empowerment, networking, advocacy) and membership-driven model, though operating at a wider regional scope than BBWS.
• Vital Voices Global Partnership: International non-profit investing in women leaders and entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and network access. Directly comparable in mission and operating model (non-profit, partner-driven, programming-focused), though operating at significantly larger scale globally.
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): US-based membership organization for women business owners providing networking, advocacy, and resources. Closely analogous in operating model (non-profit, membership fees, networking, advocacy, training programs) and target segment (women entrepreneurs), serving as a benchmark for membership-driven women's business associations globally.
• Abu Dhabi Businesswomen's Council: UAE-based professional membership organization for women entrepreneurs and business leaders, established under the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Directly comparable as a GCC peer serving women in business through networking, training, and advocacy with strong government backing.
• Sharjah Businesswomen's Council: Emirate-level businesswomen's council in the UAE serving a comparable mandate of supporting women entrepreneurs through training, networking, and visibility initiatives. Operates on a similar non-profit, member-supported model with strong institutional partnership structure.
• Saudi Women's Business Network: Saudi Arabia-focused network supporting women in business and entrepreneurship. Comparable as a regional GCC peer with government-aligned women's economic empowerment mandate, though operating in a much larger addressable market than Bahrain.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BahrainBusinesswomenSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bahrain-businesswomens-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/bbs_bah
• Xx.com/bbs_bahrain

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society