SBA Announces Partnership with WNC Women’s Business Center
Charlotte N.C. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), North Carolina District, signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC) at the Support Center (TSC) on December 3, 2015.
Front Row: Lynn Douthett, SBA-NC; Lenwood Long, President/CEO of TSC, and
City of Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. Photo: Urban News
The two-year agreement commits the two organizations to foster mutual understanding and develop a mutually beneficial working relationship so as to strengthen and expand small business development for women in western North Carolina.
“North Carolina is home to over 230,000 women-owned businesses. SBA is committed to helping women start and develop viable business,” said NC District Director Lynn Douthett. “This partnership will further support women exploring entrepreneurship in the western part of the state.”
The partnership “will not only add value to our mission, but it will reinforce our commitment to meet the capital and business service needs of women entrepreneurs in western NC,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President/CEO of TSC. “This partnership agreement signals strong collaboration in support of building and sustaining business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in this part of the state.”
The mission of the WWBC is to provide capital, high quality technical assistance and programs that reduce barriers and serve as a catalyst to the success of entrepreneurs, particularly women, in Western North Carolina. The SBA provides loan guarantees, counseling services, and contracting opportunities to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
WWBC Executive Director Sharon Oxendine said, “This partnership will enable us to expand our reach with resources and tools for women entrepreneurs in WNC in this area.”
