Special Impact Grant to the WISE Women's Business Center

Investing in the Success of Central New York Women Small Businesses

Syracuse University is investing in the success of women small business owners through a new special impact grant to the WISE Women's Business Center (WBC).

This $100,000 in funding will allow WISE WBC to provide expert technical assistance to over 250 women entrepreneurs in Central New York through its no-cost small business counseling program.

Designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Women's Business Center in 2006, WISE has supported thousands of women reach their small business goals. In 2022 alone, WISE supported over 600 women with no-cost programs and services. This included over 1000 hours of no-cost technical assistance in areas ranging from business planning and financial projections, to creating a plan for strategic growth. Over 40% served were minority women.

The unprecedented impacts of the pandemic continue to take their toll on the economy and our community. The challenges women business owners face often require a unique approach. This special funding will allow WISE to support women with the technical assistance they need when they need it and position the counseling program for the future. This work will include hiring a Spanish-speaking small business counselor.

"The demand for expert technical assistance has risen significantly. We're incredibly grateful to Syracuse University for recognizing the importance of equitable access to trusted small business resources. We take our role in the community seriously and will do all we can to stand behind and beside CNY women as partners in their success," said Meghan Florkowski, Director of the WISE WBC.

“Over the past decade, women have represented one of the fastest growing segments of the community business owners across the U.S. Here in Central New York, the WISE Women's Business Center has fueled that growth locally and empowered countless women in pursuit of their business ownership aspirations. For that reason, Syracuse University is proud to support and advance the work of the WISE Women's Business Center,” says Mike Haynie, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship

About the WISE Women's Business Center

The WISE WBC empowers CNY women entrepreneurs in all stages of business through no-cost small business counseling, high-impact training programs, and connection to networks and resources. As one of nearly 150 women business centers across the nation, WISE is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and hosted by the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

Learn more about the WISE WBC and how you can access their services.