What Is the Women’s Business Alliance and How Can It Help You?

Last year, 3 out of 5 entrepreneurs EFund partnered with were women. They own technology companies, restaurants, trucking companies, day cares, health care facilities, and much more. They accessed our business advising services, received flexible financing to support business growth and connected with one another through facilitated programs and events.  

The WBA is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund, and a certified Women’s Business Center of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The WBA provides specialized advising, training, networking and access to capital for women entrepreneurs across our region. 

The WBA is managed by two directors, Sandi Larson and Sandy Voigt, serving the northern and central county regions respectively. Larson and Voigt support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their small business by designing and facilitating programs catered to address the unique challenges of women business ownership. These programs connect women to experts, mentors and peers to build their network, knowledge and support team.  

The WBA provides opportunities for professional growth through various programs and events that: 

Provide supportive feedback on business ideas or challenges: 

Think of a pitch competition, but without the competition. The She Leads pitch event pairs women entrepreneurs with a small group of local experts who give instant, supportive and thoughtful feedback for their business. As current or aspiring entrepreneurs, She Leads participants walk away with ideas, encouragement, and new perspectives about how to solve a business challenge or take their business to the next level. Learn more about She Leads.

Develop authentic relationships built on shared success and accountability: 

In the SOAR Success Circle Mastermind, participants join a collective of powerful, driven, innovative women business owners who all want to see you rise to reach your goals. In fact, SOAR stands for “seize opportunities and rise.” This small group of fellow women business owners and a certified business coach meet twice a month over six months to help you find solutions to your business challenges and hold you accountable to overcome them. Work together to brainstorm, problem solve, understand and apply your strengths and develop impactful relationships that may last a lifetime. 

Create opportunities to close gender gaps:

In partnership with Duluth Running Company, proceeds from the Bridge the Gap Women’s 10 Mile race in Duluth, Minnesota, go to the Bridge the Gap Fund, which provides women entrepreneurs in the region the resources to build and grow sustainable businesses. The Fund provides women business owners accessibility to participate in WBA events and programs, like SOAR Masterminds, through scholarship opportunities. 

Contact us to learn more

Women-owned businesses contribute to their communities by providing employment opportunities and stimulating local economies through increased spending. By supporting these businesses and providing the owners with the working capital and resources they need to continue to build and grow we help foster vibrant and diverse economies across our region.  

For inquiries about the Women's Business Alliance and its programs, please reach out to us at info@efund.org or fill out this short Contact Us form.