Little Rock-based philanthropic organization Women’s Foundation of Arkansas recently invested $90,000 to expand its Women’s Economic Mobility Hub to Northwest Arkansas, according to the organization.
Through a partnership with Conexión de Negocios Latinos, a Springdale-based nonprofit that supports area entrepreneurs, and with support from the Walton Family Foundation, the program will create a new pathway for area business owners to receive support, resources and business development tools in English and Spanish.
“Our goal has always been to close opportunity gaps for women in Arkansas,” said Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. “Thanks to the support and partnership with Conexión de Negocios Latinos and the Walton Family Foundation, we’re able to realize our dream of expanding the WEM Hub program into other corners of the state, allowing us to build on the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Northwest Arkansas.”
The program, which runs through October, includes bilingual monthly workshops led by Conexión de Negocios Latinos staff and area professionals on topics such as taxes, marketing, digital support and access to capital. Participants comprise 25 women entrepreneurs in various industries such as food service, personal care and marketing. They live throughout the region.
“As a direct service provider and a grantmaker, The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas awarded the $90,000 grant to Conexión de Negocios Latinos as part of its annual grantmaking strategy to support organizations working to advance women’s economic mobility across the state,” said Sarah Riffle, chief growth officer of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. “The grant was made possible through support from the Walton Family Foundation, a key funding partner of WEM Hub. As a key supporter, WFF has invested in the program at the statewide level and, because of its success, is now helping WFA expand these offerings into Northwest Arkansas.”
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas will provide program participants a $1,000 unrestricted grant upon program completion. Riffle said this pilot is the first step toward what the organization hopes will be an ongoing area program.