Associates in Action
by Victor Montgomery
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.
Wells Fargo, a CSG Associate, has launched a flagship mentoring program for women entrepreneurs called Connect to Moresm. In partnership with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s signature Milestone Mapping Coaching Circles, Connect to More provides 500 women-owned businesses with access to expertise and specialized resources born from the challenges of COVID-19.
“As a non-profit committed to access and equity in entrepreneurship, we are grateful for this opportunity to help 500 women-owned businesses accelerate their personal growth as leaders and gain support as they solve big problems that make their families and communities stronger,” says Nicola Corzine, executive director of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. “We believe accelerating women business owners’ influence and economic opportunities are critical to addressing the intolerable wealth gap.”
Each Coaching Circle affords all women-identifying business owners in the U.S. the opportunity to join biweekly meetings with peer mentors and industry experts to work through specific challenges, celebrate milestones, attend workshops, and build strong networks of support.
“Small businesses are the cornerstones of our communities, and it is imperative that we support the women entrepreneurs who lead them,” noted Maryland State Senator Cory McCray. “Programs like Connect to More provide women entrepreneurs with access to resources, networks, and opportunities that help to grow their businesses and foster success. Women entrepreneurs can tap into a network of expert mentors for personalized help and support, and by participating in its biweekly Coaching Circle, women-owned businesses—like the Financial Joy School in Maryland—have received the benefit of the program’s invaluable mentorship. With its hands-on approach, Connect to More continues to equip women with the strategies and skills needed to reach their business goals.”
“As an entrepreneur, you don’t always have the time to sit and reflect on your business, it’s always go go go,” said Ruby Taylor, owner of the Financial Joy School. “Not only does this program give you that time, but it also includes a support system of amazing women. So far I’ve walked away with concrete marketing and social media strategies to promote more brand awareness for my business.” Connect to More aims to help participants set and reach critical business goals to help grow their businesses into 2022.
Any state official who would like to encourage women owned businesses in their own communities to apply can share the application located here. Upon acceptance, applicants will be placed in a Circle.
“Access to trusted expertise helps small businesses move from surviving to thriving,” said Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “For many small businesses, having access to mentorship and trusted experts in areas like marketing, business planning, technology and legal can be a critical turning point for getting back to growth.”
More information about Connect to More can be found at https://www.wellsfargo.com/small-business/jump/other/connect-to-more/. Additional resources for women-owned businesses provided by Wells Fargo are located at: https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/wells-fargo-works/women-owned-business-resources/.