Celebrations of women’s accomplishments during Women’s History Month are incomplete without also celebrating the organizations that support women in their endeavors. The business development organization WESST supports women by offering services specifically designed for women entrepreneurs under a program developed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. While WESST offers its services to people of every gender identification, its seven offices are SBA-designated Women’s Business Centers.
WBCs are part of a national network of entrepreneurship centers throughout the United States and its territories that assist women with starting and growing small businesses. WESST is the only designated WBC in New Mexico. WESST delivers the training, consulting, and financing that enable entrepreneurs to start or grow a business.
Dr. Michele Coleman turned to WESST fifteen years ago when she was creating a business plan for Inner Guidance Attachment Healing Center. The intensive outpatient mental health clinic for children and families provides in-home treatment to break negative cycles, create authentic relationships, and teach children and their families how to live and think in more constructive ways.
“I took the introductory class called MarketLink,” she said. “It was amazing in terms of outlining the things I needed to know as a new business owner.”
More recently, Coleman sought advice while trying to obtain employee health benefits that would enable her to attract and retain top staff. “It was because of my positive experience in [the MarketLink] class that I reached out to WESST this year when I needed guidance,” she said.
WESST is passionate about empowering women to achieve their business goals. In addition to offering guidance, WESST offers its clients financial assistance. In 2021, WESST supported:
- 89 women who launched their own businesses
- 111 women who accessed $4.7M in capital
- 1921 women who gained skills, knowledge, and empowerment to start or improve their own business