The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. has received a $149,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist disadvantaged entrepreneurs with getting their companies off the ground.
Milwaukee-based WWBIC is one of 39 grant recipients, chosen from 104 applicants, through the SBA’s Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs. WWBIC’s funds are directed to its Job Creation through Enhancing Opportunities for Low-Income Entrepreneurs program, which offers guidance and training for Milwaukee and Racine small business owners that are at a disadvantage.
“Having assisted approximately 80 businesses already this year through SBA lending, WWBIC is the state’s leading SBA micro-lender intermediary and SBA Community Advantage lender,” said Eric Ness, director of SBA’s Wisconsin District. “This PRIME grant will allow WWBIC to enhance its vital technical assistance to low-income and disadvantaged business owners in the Milwaukee and Racine areas. Such support makes it more likely that owners will succeed in establishing and growing their firms, and will be prepared to manage borrowing when they need it.”
