For Immediate Release                                                                                    Media Contact

August, 24,  2016                                                                                                Jacqueline Lara, 240-305-2133,

                                                                                                                                   jacqueline@marylandwbc.org

 The Coca-Cola Foundation Awards Rockville Economic Development, Inc. $100,000 Grant

to Support Maryland Women’s Business Center

Rockville, MD, August, 24, 2016–Today, The Coca-Coca Foundation has awarded Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) a grant of $100,000 to support the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC).

Empowering women to thrive is a worldwide commitment of The Coca-Cola Company and one of three global priorities for The Coca-Cola Foundation, the company has announced. Its importance reverberates around the world, resonating especially in North America. More than $2 million in grants from The Coca-Cola Foundation was directed to organizations focused on women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and other programs uniquely impacting women.

“We are thrilled to receive this support from The Coca-Cola Foundation and to be a part of their mission to prioritize entrepreneurship for women,” said Laurie Boyer, Executive Director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. “The MWBC will be able to build on its success and expand our programs for women business owners in this region.”

Since 2010, MWBC has helped over 5,000 women entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow women-owned enterprises. Workshops and trainings are now available in Spanish to meet the growing market of Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. In the fall, MWBC will expand their offerings to include Hi-Tech Roundtables for women-owned businesses and an International Trade program.

“The MWBC is very excited about this new partnership forged with The Coca-Cola Foundation. It is through the dedication and commitment of our funding partners that we are able to provide the valuable services that support our entrepreneurs. We look forward to building on this new partnership and supporting their initiatives that unleash the economic potential of women entrepreneurs.” said Kiesha Haughton, Managing Director of Maryland Women’s Business Center.

Learn more about Maryland Women’s Business Center at www.marylandwbc.org

About Maryland Women’s Business Center

Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) was established in 2010 as a program of the nonprofit Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) to help people throughout the region start and build successful women-owned enterprises that are positioned for long-term growth. MWBC conducts specialized training, offers individual business counseling, and provides unique resources.  Our special initiatives include a Childcare Business Development Program and StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition. www.marylandwbc.org  Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About Rockville Economic Development, Inc.

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership formed in 1997 by the City of Rockville, Maryland to strengthen and broaden the city’s economic base through business entrepreneurship, expansion, retention, and recruitment programs. REDI offers guidance and support to help businesses at all stages of growth launch, locate and expand in Rockville.  For more information, contact 301-315-8096 or visit www.RockvilleREDI.org.

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