Every woman entrepreneur has a next step – the critical move that helps stabilize her business, unlock new opportunities, or carry her through a challenging moment. Too often, those steps require access to capital, training, and support that traditional systems have historically denied women, especially women of color. At WomenVenture, we’re breaking down those barriers. We serve as an economic first responder for small business owners – providing timely access to capital, guidance, and support when it matters most.
Now through May 31, 2026, we invite you to SPRING FORWARD – raising critical funds that fuel women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Ese Abokede
When Dr. Eseoghene (Ese) Abokede came to WomenVenture, she needed funding to transform her growing healthcare service into a brick-and-mortar practice. With access to affordable loan capital, she was able to convert a former golf retail store into a beautiful clinic space that prioritizes patient experience and comfort. Today, Alabaster Healthcare is fully launched, and Dr. Ese can take her business’s next step forward with confidence.
Stories like Dr. Ese’s are why this work matters. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a certified Women’s Business Center for 25 years, WomenVenture provides:
· Fast access to capital when traditional lenders cannot
· Tailored guidance and mentorship to grow businesses sustainably
· Skill-building training and networks that unlock new opportunities
· Economic impact – jobs, community stability, and long-term growth
Sou Bounthavilay
With access to flexible capital, dedicated mentorship, and the steadfast support of donors like you – the foundation of WomenVenture’s impact – Sou was able to take the next step. Today, she is expanding her reach, creating jobs, and helping revitalize a beloved part of the Twin Cities community. We caught up with Sou following Babii Cajun’s grand opening in March, and she shared how excited she is about launching her new space and how grateful she is for WomenVenture’s support throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Melissa “Missy” Machkhashvili
While exploring the expansion of her in-home daycare, Missy enrolled in and completed WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials course – sharpening her business acumen, strengthening her confidence as a leader, and unlocking the capital needed to bring her vision to life through our lending program. Her newly renovated space officially opened in September 2025, and today, Missy continues to build meaningful relationships with families while proudly supporting and celebrating the developmental milestones of every child in her care.
Sarah Lawrence
Sarah joined WomenVenture’s Launched & Growing course and found the community of support she needed to not only keep her vision going, but resources to scale Soundwoven Goods into the thriving retail experience it is today. Together with trusted mentors, she built a business plan, improved her financial literacy skills, and established realistic goals for the business she envisioned. This coursework supported her application for WomenVenture’s lending services, which helped relocate her storefront to a new space and opened the door to a broader community of customers and artists, while allowing for expanded inventory in a larger retail setting.
Ama Asantewaa
Like many entrepreneurs, Ama began THE OCCASION – her luxury press-on nail and beauty brand – as a side hustle while working a traditional 9-to-5 job. But, after being laid off in the summer of 2025, her pursuits became a full-time focus to offset the costs of life in a transitional moment. Ama was referred to WomenVenture by a career coach and attended the quarterly Community & Connection Night in November 2025, where she learned more about the organization’s entrepreneurial programs and networks. Shortly after, she enrolled in QuickBooks Online Basic Training and later joined Launched & Growing, helpeing her visualize growth in a more organized and realistic way.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact as a Community Development Financial Institution and Women’s Business Center
STANDING WITH WOMEN Thousands of women supported on their path to economic independence.
FUELING GROWTH $25+ MILLION in affordable capital deployed—sparking new businesses, local jobs, and community vitality.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES Thousands of businesses launched and grown across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
