The Small Business Administration (SBA) in the United States recently announced the launch of 17 new women’s business centers, including one located in Wisconsin. This will be the sixth Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) center in the state, with the first center based in northern Wisconsin. Wendy K. Baumann, CEO of WWBIC, expressed gratitude for the growth and support from SBA programs, stating that the new center will allow for closer partnership with Wisconsin’s tribal communities in the northern region.
The new regional office of WWBIC is set to open later this year, adding to the already existing offices located in Appleton, Kenosha, Racine, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee. This serves as the statewide headquarters for WWBIC. The SBA’s administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman highlighted the growing trend of women starting new businesses at double the rate of men. In response to this increase, WWBIC has expanded its services to provide resources and support to these businesses in securing funding, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
In coming months, WWBIC will collaborate with other businesses and economic development organizations in northern Wisconsin to offer services through its new center. The organization will secure an office location and hire staff before officially opening its doors later this year.