Sponsor Our Vision

Chronic unemployment, financial education disparities, childcare and transportation issues, and lack of access to technology are just some of the obstacles for low-income women starting businesses. The Community Entrepreneurs Program (CEP) is focused on addressing these obstacles through the curriculum and with the ongoing technical assistance provided by our staff and volunteer business consultants.

Through CEP, CWE has created a comprehensive training program for disadvantaged women starting small businesses, offering in-depth business planning courses and consulting services to prospective business owners. By empowering women and providing them with the business planning and financial skills they need, CWE is able to break the cycle of poverty for women and their families. Support the Community Entrepreneurs Program.

Women entrepreneurs, especially those in low-income households, have limited access to on-going, top-quality management, legal, and financial services. Such services are instrumental not only for sustained success, but for improved access to capital and business growth. CWE seeks to improve women’s lives through entrepreneurship with its small business consulting program.

Approximately 50% of clients are in low or very low-income households. Following business start-up, low-income entrepreneurs need access to affordable, top-quality, technical assistance to ensure their long-term success. Support Consulting.

Power Up! is a 13-week program comprehensive business planning course. The course is geared toward new entrepreneurs to provide them with the resources and education to write a business plan, find access to capital, develop revenue projections, and manage cash flow. Women begin to build professional networks and hear about real-life experiences from other women. A core group of experienced instructors who are experts in their field disseminate prudent business planning information and review the students’ business plans. Graduates of Power Up! have a heightened sense of self-confidence and are ready to take the next steps to launch their business. Support Power Up!

Dedicated to enhancing opportunities for women's business enterprises, WBENC works in partnership with women's business organizations located throughout the country to provide a national standard of certification for women-owned businesses.

CWE is the New England Regional Partner Organization for WBENC, managing the educational programs, networking events and matchmaking opportunities that bring this region’s WBENC corporate members and its certified women’s business enterprise members together.  CWE also manages the certification process for WBENC in the northeast and has over 300 certified women’s business enterprises headquartered in New England.

Corporate partners are an integral part of the Council. They receive assistance with WBE sourcing, including a regional and nationwide referral network. CWE has partnered with leading corporations committed to enhancing opportunities for women’s business enterprises. Partners include Microsoft, Bank of America, Comcast, Raytheon, TJX Companies, Staples and UPS. Our partnership helps shape the New England programs for women business owners and ensures women’s access to public and private contract procurement.

• Corporate Member List
• Corporate Member Packet

To become a member of the New England Corporate Council, contact Kristin Zecca, Director of Program & Service Delivery kzecca@cweonline.org.

CWE’s annual conference is New England’s premier educational and networking event for women-owned businesses and  supplier diversity professionals.  Join us and attend an  interactive workshop designed  to help you expand your business acumen.  Network with Fortune 500 corporations, other women business owners, and community leaders at this annual event recognizing leaders and supporters of women owned businesses.

For sponsorship information, contact Kristin Zecca, Director of Program & Service Delivery, kzecca@cweonline.org.