Women's Entrepreneurship Center
Housed in the Kania School of Management, The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) offers business start-up information, guidance, and encouragement to lower-income participants, those experiencing a life transition or those seeking to create a better life for themselves and their families.
They achieve this by offering programs such as StartUP, a live six-week series that guides participants through the process of starting a business; StartUP Virtual, a self-learning online series that also walks participants through the process of starting a business; and Coffee & Confidence, an inspirational session. For more information, please email wec@scranton.edu.
WEC Student Interns
If you are a current University of Scranton student interested in applying for an internship with the Women's Entrepreneurship Center, please email wec@scranton.edu.StartUP Series
This is a six-week interactive learning series where participants learn through live sessions (currently held on Zoom) and meets weekly.
You'll engage with fellow participants, ask questions, and receive real-time answers from expert SBDC consultants.
This program is designed for individuals in the "idea phase" or those who have just begun working on their business but are not yet operational.
Please note that businesses already operating are not eligible. This event is open to everyone interested in learning about entrepreneurship on a non-exclusive basis.
Topics covered include:
- business start up basics
- legal and insurance considerations
- marketing and social media essentials
- business plan development
- accounting and budget skills,
- financing options and requirements,
- using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop and grow their business ideas
- and other essential skills
StartUP Virtual
StartUP Virtual is a six-week, self-learning program that gives participants the step-by-step guidance they need to develop successful small businesses. As a virtual learning series, it offers the flexibility for participants to complete it on their own schedule.
The program is designed for individuals in the "idea phase" or those who have just begun working on their business but are not yet operational.
Please note that businesses already operating are not eligible. This event is open to everyone interested in learning about entrepreneurship on a non-exclusive basis.
Topics covered in the online learning modules include:
- business start up basics
- legal and insurance considerations
- marketing and social media essentials
- business plan development
- accounting and budget skills,
- financing options and requirements,
- goal setting
- and other essential skills
Coffee and Confidence
A session where participants:
- network and exchange ideas
- gain support and guidance in determining if self employment is an option for them
Each session features a guest mentor who shares her unique story and offers encouragement.
Women In Philanthropy Micro-Loan
Women in Philanthropy (WIP) Micro-Loan
Women in Philanthropy (WIP) has developed a program that enables women to receive micro-loans from $1,000 to $10,000 to start or grow their business venture. This program removes many of the barriers faced by low to moderate income women or women in transition. Unlike traditional lending, these micro-loans do not require a minimum credit score or collateral. By providing this opportunity to women, WIP aims to create a path for women to obtain necessary funding and to develop their credit-worthiness so they can qualify for traditional funding in the future.
To qualify for a micro-loan, the women must:
- Own 51% or more of the business
- Be considered low to moderate income or in transition.
- Operate their business in, reside in, or have business ties to Lackawanna County
- Participate in WIP financial confidence training to further their personal and professional financial acumen
- Work with a WIP mentor to develop their business plan and loan application
- Develop and submit their business plan to WIP and implement suggestions
- Submit their loan application to WIP
- If approved for a micro-loan, complete promissory note with the underwriter for WIP micro-loans
- If not approved for a micro-loan, consider proposed corrective action steps to increase eligibility
Terms of the micro-loans:
- Six percent (6%) interest rate, with the interest put into a savings account and returned to the borrower after the loan is repaid to help the borrower build savings for the future.
- Flexible repayment terms, with loan terms up to 48 months.
- Borrowers repay the loan in equal consecutive monthly installments.
- Borrowers can prepay the entire amount of the loan at any time without restriction or penalty to the borrower.
Learn more about Women in Philanthropy by clicking here. If you are interested in more information about the WIP micro-loan click here to fill out an interest form.
WEC Guest Speakers
We are looking for people who can donate their time to deliver great talks and help inspire our participants.
If you:
- are qualified to speak on a topic related to small business
- have an inspiring story that could help others gain confidence
- can talk about a challenge you've overcome in order to be successful
- or have valuable lessons, tips or tools to share
Please provide your information and answer some questions via this link. Please also be prepared to share a short video clip of a prior speaking engagement. There are a limited amount of speaking opportunities. Preference is given to those who currently own or have owned a small business.