THE ASSOCIATION OF Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) recently announced the launch of the HOPE2Women Funding Center, a groundbreaking platform designed to provide small business owners with access to capital, resources, and mentorship.
Stearns Bank, known for its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, is partnering with AWBC to create an inclusive ecosystem for small business owners. Together, they aim to provide $300 million in capital annually to small businesses by leveraging Women’s Business Centers across the country by equipping them with the financial support and technical assistance needed to grow and thrive in today’s competitive market.
“Together, the national women’s business center network, comprised of more than 150 centers, and Stearns Bank, are making the funding for women owned businesses a strategic priority,” shared Corinne Goble, the CEO of the Association of Women’s Business Centers. “We are excited to take on this bold goal of $300 million and are looking forward to ushering hundreds of women’s businesses through the process of realizing their business growth potential. When businesses grow, our economy expands, and that impact is needed in almost every corner of the country.”
“Stearns Bank is excited to partner with the Association of Women’s Business Centers to achieve our $300 million goal – yes, $300 million of funding each year — to empower entrepreneurs to access essential capital to grow their businesses at all stages,” said Kelly Skalicky, CEO and president of Stearns Bank. “As a majority women- owned and nearly 25% employee-owned bank that has been growing and financing businesses nationwide for decades, we understand how entrepreneurs build successful businesses across every industry. We are deeply proud to continue investing in Women’s Business Centers and the growth of small business owners nationwide to ensure they continue to start and scale their businesses in record numbers.”
NEXT STEPS: HOW TO GET STARTED WITH FUNDING Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about funding opportunities can visit hope2women.org/funding-center for free resources designed to help small business owners. Whether you’re looking for a small business loan or guidance toward securing financial support, AWBC and Stearns Bank are here to help.
For more information, visit awbc.org.
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