Nine Female Entrepreneurs Graduate from MWBC’s WEgrow Maryland Program
This summer, a new cohort of nine determined female business owners participated in the MWBC WEgrow Maryland program. Offered as part of our ongoing commitment to help women-owned small businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic and improve long-term financial stability, these entrepreneurs successfully completed the 10-week virtual coursework, assignments, and business counseling sessions. They gained valuable business skills in key areas, such as financial literacy, effective recordkeeping, cash flow forecasting, and more. They also created an action plan to make their businesses more financially resilient, and supported each other in their peer-to-peer forums.
Driven by a strong desire for business growth, the cohort consisted of eight Maryland-based businesses and one located in Washington, D.C., all of which employ from 1 to 5 people, with most employing 1-2 people each including the owner. Business longevity ranged from the youngest—a new business started in February 2021—to the most tenured, a 15-year business. The average of all the participating businesses is approximately seven years of operation.
While the types of businesses represented a wide variety of products and services, the entrepreneurs shared common financial challenges. These women owners, like other small businesses owners, need assistance with:
- Obtaining new customers to drive more income;
- Maintaining consistent revenue to improve profitability and cash flow;
- Seeking financial resources to hire staff, make improvements, and purchase equipment and products;
- Decreasing operating expenses;
- Finding expansion opportunities; and
- Addressing legal and tax issues, plus financial planning.
WEgrow Maryland’s expert presenters and MWBC’s knowledgeable business counselors provided participants with financial guidance, resources for growth, one-on-one advice on their specific business issues. Congratulations to our 2021 graduates! We’re so proud of you and wish you continued resilience and success as you continue to navigate business growth.
| 2021 Graduate Name | Company Name | Type of Business | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veara Butler, Owner | Beyond Healing Counseling & Consultation | Licensed Professional Counselor | ||
| Rosa Cheatham, Owner Manager | Biro Dominican Salon | Beauty Salon | ||
| Cynthia Cole, Owner | Washington Rowing School | Rowing Instruction, Classes & Equipment Rental | ||
| Gigi Goin, Market Organizer | Milk Lady Farmers Market | Farmers Market Management & Promotions | ||
| Sarah Hanford, Owner | Bee Social Solutions, LLC | Social Media Consulting & Management | ||
| Penda Kebe, Owner | Pam K Bambini | Unique Children’s Clothing & Accessories | ||
| Felicity Tchoufa, Owner | The Executive Chef USA | Catering | ||
| Carol Walls | Four Walls, LLC | Contracting | ||
| Donna Whitaker, CEO | Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts | Fabric Shop & Sewing Classes |
We will continue to support these women and invest in their successful entrepreneurial journey. If your business needs assistance—whether it’s due to the negative effects of the pandemic or other business issue—we’re here to help! We offer many free resources, virtual training workshops, one-on-one business counseling and other programs and services to help your small, women-owned business thrive. Contact us at (301) 315-8091 to find out how we can help you or explore Marylandwbc.org for additional assistance and access to all of our services and resources.
