ST. PAUL, MN– WomenVenture is honored to be recognized for graduating in the 2025 cohort with the National WBC of Excellence program offered by the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC).
The primary objective of the National Women’s Business Center of Excellence designation is to recognize organizations that demonstrate commitment and efficacy of the mission, vision, and values of their Women’s Business Center thereby achieving the greatest outcomes for women-owned businesses.
“Becoming a Women’s Business Center of Excellence is an incredible achievement,” says Klassi Duncan, AWBC Board Chair and Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at the Urban League of Louisiana. “The work that these graduates have put into the process demonstrates not only their commitment to improving their center’s operations but also their dedication to achieving even more impactful outcomes for the women-owned businesses they serve.”
Over the course of six milestone assignments, WBCs partnered with a peer in their cohort to identify gaps and opportunities for the WBC to improve in a variety of areas; including strategic goal setting, service delivery, continuous improvement, and/or peer relationships. To fulfill these objectives, AWBC recognizes the value of the organization’s volunteers, leadership team, and funders which is reflected in the involvement of these stakeholders in the final stages of the designation attainment.
“For over 45 years, WomenVenture has provided training, consulting, and affordable access to capital to elevate women business owners. Being recognized as a WBC of Excellence will allow us to provide our clients with these critical resources to start or grow their business”, said Andra Lindquist, Women’s Business Center Director, WomenVenture
The National WBC of Excellence graduation and closing ceremony took place on December 5, 2024. We were privileged to have SBA leadership join us, including Aditi Dussault, Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, and Lori Gillen, Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership. For more information about how WomenVenture can support your entrepreneurial journey, please visit WomenVenture.org
Media contact:
Jess Jellings
Communications & Marketing Manager, WomenVenture
Jjellings@womenventure.org / 612-224-9553
