Salt Lake Chamber Women's Business Center

The Salt Lake Chamber Women's Business Center, widely known as the Women's Business Center of Utah, is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs across Utah. Established in 1997 by the Salt Lake Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the center has been dedicated to providing specialized resources and training to help women start, run, and grow their own businesses.

History

In its early years, the center was the first of its kind specifically designed to offer technical assistance to women entrepreneurs in Utah. It quickly gained recognition as a model for similar centers nationwide due to its focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women in business. The initial grant proposal was spearheaded by Ramona Rudert, then COO of the Salt Lake Chamber, who also served as the center's first director.

Services

The Women's Business Center of Utah offers a wide array of services tailored to meet the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. These include:

• One-on-One Advising: Personalized guidance to help women navigate business challenges and opportunities.
• Group and Peer Learning: Workshops, seminars, and cohort programs designed to enhance business skills and foster support networks among participants.
• Virtual and Self-Paced Learning: Utilizing technology to reach a broader audience, offering online courses and webinars accessible statewide.
• Access to Capital: Facilitating access to financial resources, including Kiva loans with zero percent interest and no fees.
• Business Directories: The center maintains a directory of women-owned businesses in Utah, which supports economic development by encouraging local purchasing and networking.

Impact

Over the years, the center has assisted tens of thousands of women entrepreneurs, empowering them with critical skills needed to operate efficient, effective, and profitable businesses. Their programs have been instrumental in helping women overcome barriers such as accessing capital and securing contracts. The organization's efforts have contributed significantly to Utah's economic growth by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting women's roles in business leadership.

Partnerships

The center's operations are supported by partnerships with key organizations, including the Salt Lake Chamber and the U.S. Small Business Administration. This collaboration underscores the center's commitment to serving women across all 29 counties in Utah.

Mission

At its core, the Women's Business Center of Utah aims to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs by providing free or low-cost training, counseling, and resources. By championing women in business, the center plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development and gender equity in Utah's business landscape.