WE'RE EMPOWERING WOMEN
with our WE 360° program

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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​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
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"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 women's and youth programs director.

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

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

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SEE THE FLYER

​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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