In The News

Grant to help local college reach minority business owners in rural areas

The Benedict College Women’s Business Center has received a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to help launch an initiative designed to reach socially and economically disadvantaged women business owners in targeted rural areas.

The WBC Mobile and Creative Entrepreneurial Demonstration will provide business support through a state-of-the-art mobile office unit in areas of Allendale, Bamberg, Clarendon, Dillon and Lee counties, along with the city of North Charleston. The WBC Rural Mobile Initiative, slated to launch next spring, will feature seven computer training stations, smart boards and wi-fi access and will be staffed by experienced business advisors. Business development curriculum will include training in emergency preparedness and recovery, bonding and contract readiness.

“Equality for women entrepreneurs will only materialize when they are able to enjoy equal access to the same affordable financing mechanisms as men, including equal access to markets, information, digital technology, and services,” Roslyn Artis, Benedict College president, said in a news release. “We appreciate the financial investment of Truist in MCED and partnership in ensuring that minority women business owners in these rural areas have the tools and resources that they need to both grow and sustain their businesses.”

[continue reading | source: Columbia Regional Business Report]