Brava

January 2014

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GO+DO catalyst "WWBIC was instrumental in helping our business reach the next level." –Samantha Dalsing, co-owner of Testudo More than 8.6 million women in the Interested in boosting your business savvy? WWBIC hosts a variety of classes in Madison. Visit wwbic.com for more. wwbic helping women's businesses sprout By Amy Carlson, NBC 15 news anchor U.S. own businesses. That's impressive, considering that 25 years ago, women couldn't even get a business loan without a male family member signing for it. Staff at the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation even knows of one woman whose 17 year old son had to co ign her business loan. s Thankfully, WWBIC came to town. One of the first female- ocused business f centers in the U.S. it has—for 25 years— empowered women, minorities and those of lower wealth by offering classes and access to capital when the borrower has been deemed not bankable by commercial banking standards. By taking character into consideration when making loans of up to $100,000, WWBIC opens the door to many who would otherwise struggle to find their footing in the business world. WWBIC offers clients classes on a range of topics, from exploring business dreams to keeping an existing enterprise healthy. Business courses are even offered in Spanish and online. WWBIC can also help clients create a business plan and apply for a loan. Small business consultants then work with loan clients, evaluate the business, assist with marketing, and meet with them at least once a month through the life of the loan as clients raise equity and ultimately move on to commercial bank loans. While these services all help practical needs, WWBIC also strives to improve confidence and a sense of empowerment— important factors such as pay inequalities stubbornly persist in the U.S. (women make 78 cents to their male co-workers making $1). Today, WWBIC is the largest micro lender in Wisconsin, receiving capitol from private funders, the Small Business Administration, government and the City of Madison. It is always looking for successful local female business owners to mentor, review business plans, facilitate classes or even be a guest speaker. As Deborah Brock (left), WWBIC project director for South Central Wisconsin says, "Think about your journey. Someone counseled you and mentored you. Pay it forward by helping a new business owner. Remind them you don't get there overnight." It's a sentiment echoed by one of WWBIC's many success stories, such as Samantha and Doug Dalsing, who realized the market need for environmental consulting and decided to start their own business, Testudo. After using a WWBIC loan and business assistance, the Dalsings purchased a needed piece of equipment and began making money again in two weeks. They continue to grow and hope to expand to create more jobs. "WWBIC was instrumental in helping our business reach the next level of generating income. When conventional resources would not help us get a loan, WWBIC stepped in and helped," Samantha says. Indeed, empowerment is a community effort. Madison SCORE Take a seminar from a retired business pro through the organization's various courses and counseling services, or apply for a small business grant through Women's Net. madison.score.org. 74 brava magazine | JANUARY 2014 Madison College Choose from a variety of continuing education classes to improve business and leadership skills or look into their various business certificates and degrees. madisoncollege.edu. The Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin Provides financial, marketing and management services, plus grants, to help businesses expand or meet critical needs. ifww.org. Photo by Bobbi Petersen Local Resources to Boost Your Biz

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