The center joins a growing network of Women’s Business Centers across the country seeking to empower female entrepreneurs
By Jonathan J. Higuera
The CPLC Women’s Business Center opened its doors Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community gathering.
The center will operate as part of Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa, and focus on support
ing women in their quest to open and grow their enterprises. And it will go beyond the standard technical support, training and access to capital that lenders generally provide clients.
“We want to connect with women on all issues that affect their ability to own thriving businesses, including child-care and transportation,” said Amber Cordoba, Prestamos CDFI director of business education and consulting services. “We created the center for them to be comfortable so they could come here, relax and feel supported.”
According to data compiled by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latinas are driving rapid growth in business ownership rates both in Arizona and nationwide. Nationally, Latinas open more than 550 businesses every day. Yet many of those e
nterprises face low capitalization rates and lack access to technical support and professional guidance.
The Women’s Business Center was opened with the help of a $150,000 U.S. Small Business Administration grant. Twenty such grants were announced in January. The Women’s Business Center becomes part of a network of such centers across the country.
“By educating and empowering underserved female entrepreneurs, the work through CPLC WBC will provide pathways for small businesses to not only flourish but also contribute to the economic, cultural, and social vitality of our communities,” said Teresa Miranda, vice president of Prestamos CDFI.