Business center, Non-profit organization in Washington, DC
The Washington, DC Women's Business Center (DCWBC) is a business development nonprofit located at 740 15th Street NW, Suite 400, in downtown Washington, DC, dedicated to serving women entrepreneurs across the DC metro region. Launched in March 2010 by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), the center focuses specifically on economically or socially disadvantaged women business owners operating in underserved communities. DCWBC provides one-on-one business counseling, group training workshops, and peer-to-peer exchanges, helping entrepreneurs develop business plans, access loans and grants, and navigate business taxes, certifications, and registration requirements. The center also offers technical assistance in financial management, marketing and research, legal and licensing matters, and government contracting opportunities. Its stated mission is to "empower women entrepreneurs to build resilient and successful businesses, strengthen their community's economy, and create wealth for their families." The organization is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the national Women's Business Center network, a program established in 1979, and receives additional support from partners including Sandy Spring Bank. In May 2015, the SBA recognized DCWBC with its Women's Business Center Excellence Award. The center has been led by Project Director Daniella Djiogan, who previously managed small business programs at the Washington DC Economic Partnership, and Small Business Specialist LaToria Brent, a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and human resources. DCWBC can be reached at 202-393-8307.