WE'RE EMPOWERING WOMEN
with our WE 360° program

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

This multi-week program, offered at no charge to participants, is specifically designed to help women of color overcome barriers in entrepreneurship.

What barriers? To start with, Black women entrepreneurs receive less than 1% of venture capital, are three times more likely to be denied loans, and receive lower loan amounts even when approved. Of 17% of new businesses begun by Black women, only 3% go on to become mature businesses. Yet the desire is there: Black women-owned businesses are up by nearly 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels. (Data courtesy of Black Women in Food) 

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Meet The Winners of The 2024 We 360° Business Pitch Competition

We are excited to announce the winners of the Inaugural We 360° Pitch Competition! 

1st Place | $7,500 | Mariah Davis 
2nd Place | $6,000 | LaShaya Norton 
3rd Place | $5,000 | Dr. Tomeka Middleton

​A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed judges for their time, expertise, and contributions in selecting the winners. Here’s to the bright future ahead for all involved. We are grateful to Procter & Gamble for making these cash prizes possible! Sending a warm, thank you to our three coach mentors: local business superstars Kenya Dunn, founder of The Power-Filled Woman, Jaymes McCloud, CEO of J.H.W. Enterprises, and Sarah Castle, professor of entrepreneurship at College of Charleston and founder of Castle Coaching & Consulting. Sending a warm thank you to photographer Katrina S. Crawford for capturing our event!

The We 360° Pitch Competition, held on May 9, 2024 at the Charleston County Library, welcomed the public and media. Contestants showcased their businesses to a panel of judges who engaged them with queries after their presentations.

The inaugural competition by YWCA Greater Charleston holds promise for growth and improved impact annually. Its significant influence on the community is echoed by a contestant sharing, "The YWCA - GC We 360 program and this pitch competition were two of the most personal and professional transformational experiences for me. Now, I embark on We 360 Mastermind class. To the entire staff, THANK YOU for your genuine kindness and support. These opportunities are so pivotal!" 

What Others Are Saying

"There is so much to be said about the WE 360° guided business planning course and how it has helped me in my business.  First, I would like to say that the course is what every business owner needs, whether currently in business or desiring to be in business. The knowledge and tools are simple but effective. The sessions are taught in a clear and concise manner for easy understanding. The course not only guides you but sets you up for success.

"Another great experience taken from the class was having the opportunity to learn from the other participants. WE 360° provides a safe zone for participants to share successes and failures. More importantly, the course built the confidence I was lacking. Often times we question our abilities and the trajectory we are on. Taking the course catapulted my thinking and gave me a sense of relief in knowing that I can do anything and there is nothing to fear.

"Being in business the last few years has been a rewarding experience. But WE 360° gave me the boost I needed to take my business to the next level. As a result, I am humbled to share that I opened my first physical location on January 4, 2021. Thank you, YWCA.GC, for your vision and believing in my vision."

(See her in our Jan 2021 e-newsletter)

| Donna Mungin, boutique owner


"The WE 360° course literally took us step by step through composing a business plan. I reflected on things that I never thought of before. I felt like there was an awakening happening inside of me. So many ideas were flowing from me until I had to meet one on one with our coach, Keisha Smith. She assured me that she understood what I was feeling and thinking."

(See her in our Jan 2021 e-newsletter)

| Nakia White-Hazel, educational firm owner


"Keisha was absolutely amazing!! I loved the energy in the class, and everyone's support!"

| Kenee Chernell, WE 360° August 2021 graduate
​

"I had the pleasure of attending the eight-week class with Keisha Smith. The class was amazing. I've been in business for some time, only to take this class and finally get a proper foundation. I greatly appreciate what Keisha did for me, and for all of us. Sometimes you need more than encouragement; sometimes you need truth and direction, and that is what I left with. Thank you for presenting such a great opportunity."

| Venice Eaddie, ​WE 360° August 2021 graduate

​How you can help

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​If you are a woman entrepreneur of color, please consider volunteering to speak to our WE 360° participants as a commencement speaker! Contact CJ, our director of programs.

Sponsor an individual woman entrepreneur of color to attend this workshop series! Click here.

​Organizations, sponsor this program! Contact LaVanda, our executive director.

ENROLLING NOW

SEE THE FLYER

2025 Sessions:
February 3 - February 27
April 14 - May 8
July 7 - July 31
October 6 - October 30

​Whether you’d like to start, grow, or sustain a business, you’ll come away from this multi-week virtual series with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to do it!

Currently held via Zoom, space in each workshop series is limited to 10 women to enable personal attention and high-quality interaction.

We need YOU

Be part of the international movement for women, girls, and people of color... right here in the Charleston, SC region

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