Ready for bigger opportunities?
Whether you're looking for capital, pursuing certification or contracts, or strengthening your business for what's next, we'll help you find the right resources and get ready to use them.
What are you looking to do?
Start with the opportunity you're working toward. We'll point you to the resources that can help you get there.
Get certified and contract ready
I want to pursue MWBE/WBE certification, contracts and procurement opportunities.
Explore certification + contractingAccess capital
I need funding to start, strengthen or grow my business, and I want to understand my options.
Explore capital resourcesGet lender ready
I want to understand what lenders look for and strengthen my financial readiness before I apply.
Explore lending supportStrengthen my business
I need legal or business guidance to make sure my business is ready for bigger opportunities.
Explore business support
Get certified. Get ready.
Get positioned for opportunity.
Certification can open doors, but it doesn't make a business ready to walk through them. The Readiness Standard™ takes you from application to contract ready.
- 1
Get certified
Understand the MWBE/WBE process and complete your application with guidance.
- 2
Get ready
Build the foundation, documentation and capacity buyers expect to see.
- 3
Get contract ready
Learn how to find, pursue and position your business for contracts.
Looking for funding? Start with the right conversation.
The right capital depends on your business, what you're trying to accomplish and how ready you are to apply. Start with a conversation, then explore the options that fit.
Pursuit Lending Clinic
Not sure how much capital you need, what financing is available or whether you're ready to apply? Meet one-on-one with Pursuit to talk it through at no cost.
Make an appointment →
SBA Funding Resources
Explore SBA-backed loans, investment capital, surety bonds and the grant programs available for specific purposes.
Explore SBA funding →
Bigger opportunities come
with bigger questions.
Get free guidance from the WNY Law Center on contracts, business formation, employees, insurance, document review, buying or selling a business and more.
Small Business Legal Clinic: 2nd Wednesday monthly at Canisius University, with virtual options.
Not sure where to start?
Schedule an Ignite Session.
You don't have to figure out the WBC, or the small business ecosystem, on your own.
Ignite Sessions are FREE, one-on-one conversations that help you get clear on where you are, what you need and your best next step, then connect you to the right WBC program, partner or resource.
Looking for something else?
INTRODUCING
The WBC Founder
The room where the women shaping WNY's economy trade wins, referrals, and real talk. Applications for founding members are open for a limited time.