COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Benedict College Women's Business Center (WBC) is one of 43 organizations nationwide selected to receive a significant grant award from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).
The award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency was announced by Vice President Kamala Harris at a White House “Investing in America: Small Business” event on August 4. The $2 million that is part of the Biden Administration’s Capital Readiness Program (CRP).
Over the next four years, the WBC says it will implement initiatives designed to address the unique needs of socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in South Carolina.
The WBC aims to level the playing field by providing accessible and flexible technical assistance services, ensuring that all entrepreneurs have the necessary tools to succeed.
The program will offer both virtual and in-person resources, including agnostic and retail-specific accelerator programs, mentoring, consultation services, and networking events tailored to the diverse needs of the participants.
With this funding, we can further our commitment to supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs, especially women, veterans, and those from rural communities in South Carolina,” said Shauna R. Cooper, executive director of the Benedict College Women’s Business Center. “Our goal is to emphasize diversity and inclusion in the business world. This grant will enable us to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape."
