Access to Capital: Microloan Program

The Wyoming Women's Business Center's loan program was started to provide access to funds for those unable to get loans through traditional means. The Center is now accepting applications for microloans of $500 to $10,000 to help fund business start-ups or expansions. We also work with local banks and economic development organizations to coordinate funding resources to help meet your business needs.

A full-time loan counselor is available to provide guidance through every step of the loan process. For more information about our Microloan Program or to request an application call the Center at 766-3084 (toll free in Wyoming -- 888-524-1947) or email wwbc@uwyo.edu.

Credit Reports

With credit card fraud on the rise, it is recommended that everyone obtain a copy of their credit report annually. For a nominal fee, the Center can provide a copy of your merged, three-bureau credit report. A written request is required. If needed, the loan counselor can review the credit report with you to help you understand it.

Business Planning and Counseling

A business plan is a tool to help you develop, organize and manage your business. The WWBC requires loan applicants to submit a basic business plan. The Plan: A Step-By-Step Business Plan Guidebook is available from the Center for a nominal fee. This handbook will guide you in developing a business plan.

Assistance with business planning and marketing is provided by Center staff and through referrals. To discuss your business needs, complete and send in the Online Intake Form or contact the Center at wwbc@uwyo.edu.

Training and Technical Assistance

The Wyoming Women's Business Center offers a variety of business and computer training opportunities throughout the state designed to improve employment skills or help with business development. The Center also partners with other organizations to provide business start-up classes, NxLevel entrepreneurial training sessions and a variety of specialty training opportunities. Click on the Calendar of Events to learn more about upcoming sessions and information on how to register.

Women's Certification

The Center offers a valuable credential to woman entrepreneurs. Once certified as at least 51% woman-owned, your business can qualify for National Certification as a Woman-Owned and Controlled Business through the National Women's Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) and may be given preference in contracting for goods and services with major corporations. The cost of  Certification is $300 plus expenses accrued for the on-site visit. Please contact the Center to find out if certification is right for your business. Click here to be redirected to the NWBOC website

Networking Opportunities

WWBC Women's Business Connection Roundtables

The WWBC sponsors monthly roundtable lunch meetings in communities around the state to help women in business network and learn from each other. All interested parties are welcome; you do not need to own a business to participate. Roundtables are currently held in Casper, Cody, Dubois, Laramie, Powell, and Jackson. Please contact us for more information.

Small Business Administration's Wyoming Women's Business Directory

Is your lawyer a woman? Is your accountant? Do you think about finding a woman-owned business when you need a product or service? Contact us to request an application to list your woman-owned business in this free directory published by the Small Business Administration.

Referrals

Located in the Business and Technology Center on the University of Wyoming campus, the Wyoming Women's Business Center is part of an exciting group of business assistance centers, including Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (with satellite offices located throughout the state), Mid-America Manufacturing and Technology Center (MAMTC), Business Research Products Center, Market Research Center, and Wyoming Research Products Center.

If you need specialized assistance in manufacturing technology or development, or if you would like to meet with a business counselor in your own region through the Small Business Development Center, the Wyoming Women's Business Center can refer you to the appropriate agency.

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