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Grow Your Business

Successful growth of your business means thinking about the present and the future. Forecasting and planning are critical components in looking forward.

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Small Business Services

Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services fuels the innovation and creativity of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

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Access To Capital

Financial services are available for businesses in need of small scale financing for items such as working capital, inventory, machinery or equipment.

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Programs

We offer relevant programs and resources as well as current Industry best-practices and tools, designed to help the small business owner compete and grow in an ever-changing marketplace.

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At the Women’s Business Center (WBC), we are helping women, people of color, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals start and grow businesses in Southwest Michigan.

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Who We Are

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance has helped small businesses start and grow in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties since 2004. We open the doors of opportunity by providing targeted individuals who are interested in starting, expanding or growing their business with access to critical resources such as business counseling, financial education, and responsible financial products.

The Women’s Business Center focuses on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources to engage in entrepreneurship and enhance their economic well-being, particularly women, people of color, veterans, and low-income individuals. As such, the WBC promotes and assists in advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency opportunities

Developing and nurturing home-grown business is key to our community's economic future. The Women's Business Center professional staff is ready to help you turn your dreams of entrepreneurship into reality.

The WBC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration to serve Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Contact us today to learn how the Women's Business Center can help you turn your dreams into reality.

Meet the Team

The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance would like to thank our funders:

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Partners


Procurement Technical Assistance Centers of Michigan

PTACThe Procurement Technical Assistance Centers of Michigan provide local businesses with the resources and know-how to successfully obtain government contracts. They work to help all Michigan companies successfully obtain and perform under local, state and federal government contracts. Since 1985, the PTACs of Michigan have assisted businesses in securing contract awards, and are ready to help you too.

PTAC provides no-fee, expert counseling services and electronic Bid-Match systems in addition to seminars, workshops and trade shows. They help business position themselves to identify opportunities and expand by selling to the government.

For more information, visit Southwest Michigan PTAC

Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

MMSDCThe Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) is a non-profit committed to driving economic growth within minority communities. The MMSDC advances this mission by facilitating over $20 billion annually in business contracts between corporations and certified minority business enterprises (MBEs). Founded in 1977, the MMSDC certifies minority businesses, provides MBEs with access to procurement opportunities, and develops capacity for minority business development.

The MMSDC serves two distinct audiences: minority owned businesses and large, majority-owned corporations. Their work enables minority owned businesses to grow their operations, hire more employees, and create wealth in their respective communities. Visit MMSDC for more information.

SCORE

SCORESCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years.

Serving Southwestern Michigan, the Kalamazoo Chapter of SCORE has over 30 mentors with over 30 backgrounds. They provide one-on-one, confidential counseling at no charge. SCORE volunteers are available by appointment, at the Cornerstone Alliance office, 80 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI. For an appointment contact us or contact SCORE directly by visiting SCORE.

Michigan Small Business Development Center

SBDCThe Michigan Small Business Development Center provides counseling, training and secondary market research for Michigan’s new business ventures, existing small businesses, expanding new businesses and new technology companies. The MI-SBDC Southwest Michigan is located at the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access services by visiting SBDCMichigan.

Small Business Administration

SBAThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. They recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace.

SBA's programs include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, and specialized outreach to women, minorities and armed forces veterans. SBA also provides loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade. SBA's suite of tools can help you at any stage of your business venture. From initial counseling and business planning to contracting with the government and finding seminars to grow your business – there's something for every entrepreneur to get the help they need. Visit SBA for more information.

News

Read the latest on who we are working with and how we’re improving the small business owner experience in Southwest Michigan.

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    Lange Investigation & Consulting Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

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  • Sticky Spoons Jam Opens New Commercial Kitchen and Store

    Sticky Spoons Jam Opens New Commercial Kitchen and Store

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The WBC at Cornerstone Alliance would like to thank our investors: