WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence

WBENC LIFT delivers the financial and scalability readiness programs and access to capital resources entrepreneurs and small businesses need to thrive.

Founded with a mission of supporting women owned businesses throughout their entrepreneurial journey, the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence works in collaboration with WBENC Corporate Members and partners to deliver programs and resources aligned with the LIFT Model (Learn, Interconnect, Fuel, Thrive).

Along with stand-alone WBENC LIFT programs and resources that provide education, coaching, networking and funding resources, the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence supports other WBENC programs with the financial education and funding opportunities entrepreneurs and small businesses need to thrive.

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Upcoming Events

WBENC LIFT CEO Catalyst – Session 2: Build Enterprise Readiness for Sustainable Growth with Corporate Contracts

February 24 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET | Virtual

Register Now

Capital Connections

KeyBank / Key4Women

Interconnect

KeyBank is a leading, community‑focused financial institution committed to helping clients and communities thrive. As part of this mission, KeyBank’s Key4Women program advocates, connects, and empowers women in business, while remaining open to anyone who supports or benefits from its purpose. Through financial guidance, networking, education, and access to capital, Key4Women strengthens economic confidence and fosters inclusive growth, reflecting KeyBank’s long‑standing dedication to equity, opportunity, and financial wellness.

View the KeyBank 1-Pager

Learn More & Apply Today

Macy's, Inc. S.P.U.R. Pathways: Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach – A Catalyst for Business Growth

Interconnect

S.P.U.R. Pathways is a multiyear, multifaceted funding program designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. A collaboration between Macy’s, Inc. and Momentus Capital, this initiative provides access to a range of loans, investment opportunities, and retail support. The aim of the program is to advance entrepreneurial growth, close wealth gaps, and shatter systemic barriers.

View the S.P.U.R. Pathways 1-Pager

Learn More & Apply Today

Educational Opportunities

WBENC LIFT in the Community, brought to you by Fifth Third Bank

Learn / Thrive

WBENC LIFT in the Community, brought to you by Fifth Third Bank, is an in-person program to address financial readiness for entrepreneurs and small businesses by delivering programming focused on financial literacy, capital readiness and connections, and networking opportunities that help business owners and their teams develop skills, knowledge, and networks to compete and grow.

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WBENC LIFT Entrepreneur Financial Readiness

Learn / Thrive

WBENC LIFT presents the Entrepreneur Financial Readiness series, an empowering multi-part virtual learning experience held annually during “Financial Literacy Month” in April and designed for leaders looking to scale their business. This educational opportunity equips entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to grow and sustain a successful business.

Learn more about the sessions held in 2025 and subscribe for details for upcoming sessions in 2026!

Learn More

WBENC LIFT CEO Catalyst, brought to you by Wells Fargo

Learn / Thrive

WBENC LIFT CEO Catalyst, brought to you by Wells Fargo, is a strategic growth program designed to help entrepreneurs shift from managing the details to mastering the big picture.

Through expert-led sessions, curated resources, and actionable strategies, you’ll gain the clarity, confidence, and financial intelligence to lead your business into the future.

Learn More

Who Should Participate

The WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence is designed to support WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).

For several years, WBENC has been partnering with Corporate Member leaders in the financial services industry to bring forward education and resources for WBEs, including workshops and coaching on access to capital, business plans, small business banking, and cash flow management. We launched the Financial Center of Excellence to coincide with our national events, with the goal of providing WBEs with access to small business bankers and financial experts, as well as additional learning opportunities on key financial topics, including funding alternatives and being bankable.

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the opportunity to reimagine and expand the Financial Center of Excellence model and tackle the broader needs and challenges facing women-business owners in today’s challenging business environment.

WBENC LIFT is a product of that reimagining, with a comprehensive model designed to support WBEs year-round.

Some grants and opportunities may be targeted to specific geographic areas or industries.

Not yet certified? Learn more about WBENC Certification here.

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