Client Services

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Womens Business Center of North Alabama ANNUAL
REPORT 2006
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Mission Statement

• Our mission is to help women achieve
• their greatest potential and generate
• economic growth for the region.
• We accomplish this by serving as a focal point
  for information and access to resources
  facilitating
• self-discovery and personal development
• and providing a formal mentoring process
• to support, nurture and advocate the
• development of their businesses.

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History

• Diane Weston initiated conversations in June 2000
  to start a Womens Business Center in
• The Chambers Womens Business Council
  established a Steering Committee in November
  2001, with Elaine Plank serving as Chair
• WBCNA incorporated as a Alabama non-profit in
  2003
• WBCNA obtained 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in
  2004
• The first Board of Directors was formed in March
  2004 with Joanne Randolph serving as the first
  President
• Seed monies received from local individuals and
  businesses

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History

• Office, meeting, and training space generously
  donated by Crestwood Medical Center in 2004
• Became a Technical Assistance Provider for the
  SBA Community Express Loan in 2005
• Established Monthly Lunch Learn sessions to
  provide networking, training, and pertinent
  information to our clients
• Selected first Executive Director in October 2005
  on a part-time basis

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2006 Accomplishments

• Provided training and counseling to over 400
  women and men
• Applied for and received SBA 5-year grant of
  750,000
• Developed the Society of 75 fundraiser as a
  means of community support to match Federal
  dollars
• Established and selected the first Small
  Business Start-Up of the Year
• Hired full-time Executive Director and
  Administrative Assistant

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2006 Accomplishments

• Helped small businesses in North Alabama receive
  671,000 in small business loans
• Became a Technical Assistance Provider for new
  SBA Community Express Lenders- Redstone
  Federal Credit Union - Superior Financial
  Group
• Continued providing Technical Assistance for
  Innovative Bank and Business Loan Express

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What we do

• Start-up assistance, nurturing and guidance for
  women AND men
• Access to financing
• Networking opportunities
• Business training and counseling
• Referrals to other resources
• Ready-made network of contacts
• Formal mentoring
• The wind beneath your wings.

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What Our Clients Say

• I just wanted to let you know how much I
  appreciate all of your help and expertise. After
  being turned down by numerous lenders, you came
  to the rescue. By taking the time to carefully
  examine my business needs, you helped me plan and
  implement a strategy to succeed. You also gave
  me additional resources and contacts that I would
  need as I started my business. I firmly believe
  that without your assistance, I would not be in
  practice today.
• Thank you again for providing me with the
  necessary resources to make my new clinic a
  reality.
• Danny R. Floyd, DC

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What Our Clients Say

• The WBCNA strategic planning class I attended
  was very valuable.  I'm learning a great deal
  from the women's business center about business! 
  Thanks for being there. I recommend WBCNA
  wholeheartedly to every woman.
• Marilyn Rue