21 February 2024

Women’s Biz Centers Score $2.7 Million in SBA Grants

By Ronald Smith

I wanted to share some awesome news with you. Women’s Business Centers across the country have just received a whopping $2.7 million in grants from the Small Business Administration (SBA). How cool is that?

You might be wondering, what are Women’s Business Centers? Well, they’re places that provide support and resources to women who want to start and grow their own businesses. Whether it’s mentoring, training, or access to capital, these centers are all about empowering women entrepreneurs.

Now, let’s talk about the grants. With this generous funding from the SBA, these centers can expand their services and reach even more women who are ready to take their business ideas to the next level. It’s a big deal!

But why is this important? Well, women-owned businesses are on the rise. They’re growing at a faster rate than businesses owned by men. And here’s the thing – when women succeed in business, it benefits not only them but also their families and communities. It’s a win-win situation.

So, if you’re a woman with big dreams of starting your own business, remember that you’re not alone. Thanks to Women’s Business Centers and the SBA grants, there are resources out there to support you every step of the way.

Now, go out there and chase those dreams! The future is waiting for you.

Women's Biz Centers Score $2.7 Million in SBA Grants

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has given out 14 grant awards to organizations all over the US. Their goal is to help women-owned businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19. The grants are meant to improve things like training, support, and how businesses are run.

Each grant award is worth up to $200,000. These grants are part of a program called the Women’s Business Centers Resiliency and Recovery Demonstration Grant. It’s run by the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, which is part of the SBA.

SBA Gives $2.7M in Grants to Women’s Business Centers

Women entrepreneurs face many challenges, from stereotypes to not having enough money. Starting, growing, and keeping a business running can be tough for women. And the Covid-19 pandemic has made things even harder for businesses run by women.

Did you know that research has found that about 83% of women entrepreneurs have said that the pandemic had a negative impact on their business? And can you believe that nearly four in ten of them are saying that their business might have to close as a result?

But there’s good news! There’s a special grant program that aims to help women business owners who have been hit hard by the pandemic. This program will provide training and support to help these women overcome the challenges they are facing and give them a better chance of success.

Why Female Entrepreneurs are So Important for Our Country’s Recovery

Natalie Madeira Cofield, the Assistant Administrator for SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, understands just how vital it is to support women-led businesses during this time. She knows that these businesses play a crucial role in helping our nation recover from the pandemic:

The growth and recovery of women-owned small businesses is super important for our country’s comeback. During the tough times of the pandemic, our Women’s Business Centers have been a huge help to women entrepreneurs. They’ve faced their own challenges in this changing business world and had to adapt to meet the needs of our communities.

With this funding, we’ll be backing WBCs that have come up with cool ways to reach out to women entrepreneurs all across the country. We’re proud to support organizations that have strong ties to small, diverse, and rural communities. They know what these communities need, Natalie Madeira Cofield said with pride.

Supporting WBCs

I’m excited to tell you about the grants that were available for existing SBA-funded WBCs. We had a whopping $2.7 million in funding up for grabs! The organizations that put forward successful proposals really impressed us with their innovative approach to service delivery. They had detailed plans for projects that would improve service delivery, as well as provide training and support to women-owned businesses affected by the pandemic.

Now, let me introduce you to the organizations that were fortunate enough to receive the WBS Resiliency and Recovery Demonstration Grants:

– First up, we have the CWE Eastern Massachusetts Women’s Business Center in Boston, MA.

– Next, we have the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Women’s Business Center in Chatham, NY.

– Then, we have the WISE Women’s Business Center in Syracuse, NY.

– And lastly, we have Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship Women’s Business Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

These organizations truly deserve our recognition for their dedication and commitment to supporting women-owned businesses. We’re thrilled to be able to provide them with the funding they need to make a positive impact.

  • I’m excited to tell you about some incredible Women’s Business Centers across the United States!
  • First, we have the weVENTURE Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech Bisk College of Business in sunny Melbourne, FL.
  • In Columbia, SC, there’s the Benedict College Women’s Business Center, supporting women entrepreneurs in their journey.
  • Over in Fort Wayne, IN, we have the WEOC Women’s Business Center, providing resources and guidance to aspiring women business owners.
  • Minneapolis, MN is home to WomenVenture WBC, a dynamic Women’s Business Center helping women achieve their goals.
  • Albuquerque, NM is lucky to have the Albuquerque Women’s Business Center, a hub for women entrepreneurs in the area.
  • Heading to Little Rock, AR, we find the Arkansas Women’s Business Center, empowering women to succeed in the business world.
  • In the vibrant city of Denver, CO, the Mi Casa Women’s Business Center inspires and supports women on their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Sacramento, CA is where you’ll find the California Capital Women’s Business Center, offering valuable resources and programs.
  • Down in Santa Barbara, CA, the Women’s Economic Ventures Women’s Business Center is a beacon of support for women in business.
  • Lastly, but certainly not least, Twin Falls, ID has the Idaho Women’s Business Center-Twin Falls, helping women entrepreneurs thrive in their community.

Ever since 1979, the Office of Women’s Business Ownership has been committed to empowering women entrepreneurs like me through advocacy, outreach, education, and support. They believe in my potential and are there to help every step of the way.