Comprehensive Financial Support & Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

WBENC LIFT is an integrated education and funding program for women entrepreneurs to provide comprehensive financial support and resources, including education, coaching, networking and funding opportunities.

WBE Financial Readiness Series

WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence is pleased to announce the return of our popular and insightful series focused on your funding and supply chain readiness as a WBE.

Throughout June 2024 and together with Wells Fargo, State Farm and Bridge, WBENC LIFT is offering essential virtual programming with two sessions focused on access to capital and one focused on assessing your business and information risk.

We know that the financial and operational aspects of running a business can be daunting! By attending the Financial Readiness Series sessions, attendees will obtain insider knowledge and guidance to help you get ready to be ready for funding and contract opportunities.

 

Upcoming Programs

WBE Financial Readiness Series:
Open to all WBENC Certified WBEs

SESSION 1 | Brought to you by Wells Fargo
Let’$ Get Growing: The Capital Journey
Thursday, June 6 | 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
Register Now
SESSION 2 | Brought to you by StateFarm
Risky Business: Do you understand your risk?
Thursday, June 13 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Register Now
SESSION 3 | Brought to you by Bridge
Access to Capital Thursdays with Bridge
Thursday, June 27 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Register Now

 

Current Opportunities

Bridge

Bridge business loan marketplace is a digital platform that connects small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 75+ lenders with one loan request. Bridge, formerly Bridge built by Citi, works with lenders who offer working capital lines of credit, growth capital, PO financing, term loans and more. Compare options from community banks, national banks and CDFI lenders who can offer funding to grow your business with loans up to $10 Million.

Learn More and Apply

 

Chase for Business Curating Coaching for Entrepreneurs

Chase for Business Curated Coaching for Entrepreneurs allows WBEs to meet with expert entrepreneurial consultants for FREE*, on your schedule, with educational resources curated for your business. You’ll walk away with actionable insights, a personalized game plan, and the strategic tools you need to grow your business on your terms.

*as coaching sessions are available

Learn More and Register

 

S.P.U.R. Pathways: Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach – A Catalyst for Underrepresented Business Growth

S.P.U.R. Pathways: Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach, is a multiyear, multifaceted funding program to advance entrepreneurial growth, close wealth gaps, and shatter systemic barriers faced by diverse-owned and underrepresented businesses. This innovative effort, created in partnership with Momentus Capital, advances a long-standing Macy’s, Inc. commitment to underrepresented businesses and aims to galvanize the retail industry to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Through Macy’s, Inc.’s $30 million investment, S.P.U.R. Pathways will ultimately represent up to $200 million in access to critical funding for underrepresented businesses and will feature a comprehensive range of financing options from growth equity capital to loans for working capital and commercial real estate.

Learn More and Apply

 

 

 

Who Should Participate

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

The WBENC Lift Financial Center of Excellence Program will be focused on four core pillars of support:

 

 

 

 

 

WBENC LIFT Framework

LEARN

Delivery of targeted education, including virtual and in-person programs, digital resources, whitepapers, and more on topics specifically relevant to women business owners, including creating a funding pitch, financial sustainability, and business continuity planning.

 

 

 

INTERCONNECT

Exclusive networking opportunities including pitch and outreach programs designed to help WBEs make connections with financial institutions and other funding sources that will help them grow and sustain their business

 

 

 

FUEL

Establishment of a fund, in partnership with corporate financial institutions and others, that will include direct grants for WBEs, as well as partnerships with other national funding sources.

 

 

 

THRIVE

Facilitation of one-on-one and group coaching, counseling, and mentorship programs, focused on financial support, business plan development, and strategic growth.

 

 

 

Program Details

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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