SBA Celebrates the Launch of New South Carolina Women's Business Centers

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the launch of two South Carolina Women's Business Centers hosted by HBCU Benedict College in Columbia, SC and Community Works Women's Business Center in Greenville, SC.  These new opportunity centers will carry out the mission of helping women-owned small businesses start, grow, expand and recover their businesses as America works to restart the economy.  The commitment to continue to safely open and expand Women Business Centers (WBC) reflects the SBA's priority to increase access for women entrepreneurs to make an impact on job creation and economic recovery.

"The SBA's funding of the Women's Business Centers will continue to empower women entrepreneurs in South Carolina, especially as businesses start to recover.  The new Women's Business Centers will provide the entrepreneurs with greater access to the training and technical assistance services they need to reopen, sustain or grow their businesses as well as serve as the engine for job creation," said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.  "The new centers are a key part of the SBA's expansion of service to foster stronger local economic opportunities, especially to those businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic and are now focusing on a safe reopening of our great country.  The soul and spirit of American entrepreneurs and small business owners will continue to thrive and grow in the community and workforce as they participate in the pursuit of the American dream."

The SBA's Women's Business Centers are a national network of more than 100 centers that offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics, including business startup, financial management, and procurement.

"As an ongoing commitment to build strong and healthy economic ecosystems and create business-friendly environments, Benedict College is the perfect location for the new WBC and a top priority for the SBA.  Founded in 1870 by an African American woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, this WBC will strive to prepare men and women to be a 'power of good in society,' just as Ms. Benedict had intended so many years ago. The SBA is honored to be a part of this partnership and many more across the country as we work toward a safe reopening," said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development Allen Gutierrez.  "This expansion in both Greenville and Columbia will enable Women's Business Centers to help more women entrepreneurs not just stay afloat or recover but be poised to expand."

To learn more about SBA's programs and services for women entrepreneurs, visit online at www.sba.gov/women, and to find other WBC locations and SBA resources, visit www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.­

Contact: Cecelia.Taylor@sba.gov (202) 401-3059

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Release Number: 20-52

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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration