Women’s Business Center launches new business plan certified program

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- For 20 years, the Women’s Business Center has been a support for startups and small businesses across the Southwest Michigan area. Now, it's taking their mission to the next level. 

It’s a first-of-its-kind program at the Women’s Business Center in Benton Harbor, a six-month certification designed to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed.  

The program is split into two tailored tracks: one for startups and another for established businesses in their growth phase.   

Orientation for the six-month program will begin on Jan. 15, 2025. The course will include monthly workshops on financial planning, marketing, operations, and one-on-one counseling.  

The course itself is free, with the only requirement being a $100 deposit, which will be placed into a credit-building account.   

All of the courses will take place at the office located in Benton Harbor. Each one will be recorded for those unable to attend so they still have access to the sessions at a later time. 

The program will end in July 2025 and at that point, participants will pitch their finalized plans to commercial lenders and entrepreneurs. A graduation ceremony will take place on Oct. 2, 2025, to celebrate the participants' achievements.   

Women's Business Center Manager Chrissy Meek says this will serve as a pilot test and could potentially be rolled out nationwide.   

"It gives them an opportunity to grow. It gives them an opportunity to see the impact that they can make in the community. For those start-ups, it gets their questions answered. We are here to help them because another thing we will be doing along the way during these courses is we will be doing some business counseling with them each month between those courses. We are here to support them in the long run, they are here to support our community," Meek said.  

If you are interested in signing up, click here.