Seeking candidates for the fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is actively seeking candidates for the fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub (WEM Hub) cohort. This six-month program is dedicated to supporting Black women-owned businesses by offering technical assistance and additional resources. Notably, participants receive $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds to help scale their businesses.

Interested Black female entrepreneurs can apply for the program through the official website of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas at womensfoundationarkansas.org. The application deadline for this cohort is May 20.

Anna Beth Gorman, the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, emphasized the importance of supporting Black women-owned businesses in Arkansas. She highlighted the significant contributions these entrepreneurs can make to the economy and communities. The WEM Hub program aims to provide essential tools, resources, and networks for these entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions of the state, to help them thrive in their endeavors.

The WEM Hub program receives support from various individual donors and organizations deeply committed to its mission. Among the supporters are prominent entities such as the Walton Family Foundation, AT&T, Entergy Arkansas, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, U.S. Bank, Bank of America, Arvest Bank, and Wells Fargo.

The program offers a comprehensive support system for Black women entrepreneurs through a combination of online trainings and in-person meetings. Key features of the WEM Hub include:

1. Technical assistance: Participants receive guidance and support in various aspects of business operations.
2. $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds: This financial assistance is crucial for scaling businesses and overcoming financial barriers.
3. Expert advice: Industry professionals provide insights on topics such as accounting, financial management, business development, and legal services.
4. Ongoing mentorship support: Participants benefit from continuous mentorship to navigate challenges and opportunities.
5. Peer-to-peer learning sessions: Collaborative sessions facilitate knowledge sharing among participants.
6. Communications and marketing training: Entrepreneurs learn effective strategies to promote their businesses.
7. Leadership skills development: The program focuses on enhancing leadership capabilities to drive business success.
8. Relationship-building opportunities: Participants have access to financial institutions for potential partnerships and support.

Overall, the Women’s Economic Mobility Hub plays a vital role in empowering Black women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth and inclusion in Arkansas.

Re-reported the article originally published in TBP