TAKING CARE OF OUR BUSINESS: Strategic Growth at the WBDC

By Ana Maria Manresa, Newsletter Editor

 

 

In just a short amount of time, the Women’s Business Development Center has grown from a small non-profit with the typical challenges of a grant-dependent not-for-profit, to a flourishing and well-grounded organization in the midst of self-sufficiency. It has taken the hard work of President and CEO, Nancy Allen and her trusted right-hand, Program Manager, Lisa Roblejo to turn this struggling non-profit into a fast-growing and self-sufficient business. Nancy had the vision of making the organization into a true business that could run on its own. This seemed to be the best strategy for success at the WBDC and it worked.

 

We now have over 275 WBEs and WBENC has over 5,500. Our statistics are very impressive:

 

 

With all its current successes, the WBDC is poised for considerable growth in 2006. In preparation for this growth, the Center has implemented a strategic plan that will ensure that we will be ready to take advantage of every growth opportunity. Below is a highlight of the key components; expect to see more in 2006:

 

Staffing: The WBDC has brought on board consultants that are establishing new structure in the areas of operations, marketing, research & development, and client services.

 

Image: Thanks to Doubletake Studios the Center has a new and exciting look that represents the new direction the Center is taking. This new look begins with a new logo, marketing materials, website, newsletter and marketing campaigns.

 

Systems: With the implementation of new and high-tech systems, we are better able to serve the growing and challenging needs of our clients. We have upgraded our technology to include ourselves as a member of the ever-changing world of IT.

 

Resources: This year, the Center’s goal is to focus on being the expert source for information on women in the US . We will be building a database of resources that will tie into existing national, state and local resources. The goal is to become a portal or clearing-house for resources on women in business. Read more details on our new website.

 

New Services:

 

 

We are only as good as our members. Help us grow by becoming more involved. Please contact Nancy Allen for more information at nancyallen@womensbusiness.info