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.

Founded with a mission of advancing financial parity for women entrepreneurs through education and funding opportunities, the LIFT Financial Center of Excellence works in collaboration with WBENC Corporate Members and partners to deliver programs and resources aligned with the L.I.F.T. Model (Learn, Interconnect, Fuel, Thrive).

Along with stand-alone LIFT programs and resources, the LIFT Financial Center of Excellence, supports WBEs throughout their entrepreneurial journey, by enhancing WBENC program with financial education and resources that supports the scalability readiness and access to capital opportunities WBEs need for growth.

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WBENC Programs & Networking

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

WBENC Program & Networking

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

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Latina Growth Accelerator, Brought to you by USHCC & WBENC LIFT, Supported by The Kroger Co. Foundation

WBENC Program & Networking

The Latina Growth Accelerator is a groundbreaking virtual program designed to drive the economic growth of Latina-owned businesses generating over $10 million in revenue.

Launched by the USHCC Educational Fund in collaboration with WBENC LIFT and WBENC Women of Color UNIDAS, and supported by The Kroger Co. Foundation, this virtual program provides the tools, resources, and connections participants need to accelerate their business growth.

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Educational & Funding Opportunities

Chase for Business Curated Coaching

Financial Readiness Education

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

Bridge Business Loan Marketplace

Access to Capital & Funding

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.

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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 focuses 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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