The WBENC LIFT WBE Financial Readiness Series, in partnership with Wells Fargo, State Farm, and Bridge, occurred in June 2024 with three insightful and engaging sessions on valuable financial readiness topics. Hundreds of WBEs attended and dozens of questions were asked and answered. This year’s WBE Financial Readiness Series provided education and resources focused on access to capital and industry insights within the financial services and insurance industry.

Now in its second year, this series highlights the important role the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence plays in providing critical financial and industry education and resources for women-owned businesses. Below are a few of the key takeaways that highlight the value of the WBE Financial Readiness Series.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Cultivate Robust Relationships
    • Your banker plays a key role in your capital journey. They are a resource that acts not only as a representative of the bank but can be an advocate and advisor for your current and future capital needs. Don’t forget to develop relationships with the rest of your BAIL Team (Banker, Accountant, Insurance agent, and Lawyer).
  2. Understand your Company’s Risk Factors
    • When you understand risk factors and tolerance for risk, you can manage them. Being well-versed will help improve your competitiveness as a supplier and ensure you are aligned with the right partners and customers.
  3. Prepare to be Bankable
    • There are three key factors when determining your business’ credit worthiness: business income, balance sheet and financial statements, and collateral.
  4. Understand your Growth Trajectory
    • Developing a business plan focused on the next 2 to 5+ years allows you to assess how your capital needs and your business risk profile will change over time.

Click on the session title below for additional insights and resources:

  1. “Let’$ Get Growing: The Capital Journey” brought to you by Wells Fargo
    • An in-depth overview and expert advice on how WBEs could begin and sustain their capital journey.
  2. “Risky Business: Do Your Understand Your Risk?” brought to you by State Farm
    • How understanding the risk factors that can impact your business, as well as your potential clients can improve your readiness to do business as a supplier in the financial services and insurance industry.
  3. “Access to Capital Thursday” brought to you by Bridge
    • Insights into the loan process, credit, and funding options as well as the importance of collateral and personal guarantees in the lending process.

Click here to view our recap article from our 2023 WBE Financial Readiness series. To learn more about the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence, please visit our webpage and feel to contact us at LIFT@WBENC.org.


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