Driving women’s businesses toward success.
The road to new business financing can be winding, even unmarked. When that business is owned by a woman, the road is typically filled with even more roadblocks.
That’s why we’re hopping in the passenger’s seat: offering financial assistance, education, training and mentorship to ensure women’s businesses succeed.
To ensure the success of our clients’ businesses, we have also created a continuum of wraparound services including technical assistance, educational conferences, summits and workshops developed in partnership with colleges, universities and other organizations in the ecosystem to support all steps of entrepreneurship from ideation to launch to growth.
Supporting businesses and entrepreneurs
MWF offers classes, summits, conferences, mentorship and more to make sure women start successful businesses.
Our WomanUp Pitch Competitions provides the chance to win cash prizes, investments and professional services for businesses in both launch and growth stages. The Michigan Women’s MicroLoan Fund has provided hundreds of loans to help women entrepreneurs and small business owners find their way.
City of Lansing – CDBG-CV Economic Development Program Assistance to Small Businesses
The City of Lansing has received CDBG-CV funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in response to the health and economic crisis in Michigan. The City of Lansing is dedicating their funds to assist Lansing area small for-profit businesses and to those microenterprises providing services and goods related to COVID-19.
The prioritization and allocation of these CDBG-CV funds are to benefit persons affected negatively by COVID -19 who are low-to-moderate income by creating self-employment and /or business opportunities.
Michigan Women Forward will administer the CDBG-CV assistance program to microenterprises or eligible individuals starting a microenterprise providing services and /or goods related to COVID-19. Along with the funding, Michigan Women Forward will provide technical assistance, training and a microloan.
For more information, please contact Tanesia at 313-771-3514.
WomanUp & Pitch Business Plan & Pitch Competition
Each spring, women submit their 2-page concept paper for a chance to pitch for cash prizes. The top 30 finalists are connected to a coach and mentor who provides expert advice as the women create viable business plans and prepare to take the stage to pitch their idea to a panel of business experts and an audience of entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors, and community leaders. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third places in two separate categories: Lifestyle and Growth. In addition, the audience votes for an “Audience Choice” winner. Watch the MWF website and social media channels for information on how to submit your concept paper in May. Finalists will be announced mid-summer to plan, prepare, and practice for competitions taking place this fall in Grand Rapids, Jackson, and Southeast Michigan.
WomanUp & Learn
Classes and conferences to help no matter what stage your businesses is in. See events tab for upcoming offerings.
Mentorship
Whether you need help with an immediate task or long term advice and counsel/ MWF can find an experience volunteer to become part of your journey.
