Apply

About Us

No matter your passion, interests, previous entrepreneurial experiences or ambitions, the Entrepreneurial & Women’s Business Center (EWBC) has specialized opportunities that will expose you to new ways of thinking while supporting your unique goals.

Since its inception in 1985, The EWBC has developed a rich and diverse set of offerings that cater to the needs of women and people of color seeking to start and grow their own enterprises. We offer training and 1-1 coaching in strategy, marketing, finance, and technology, along with networking programs to strengthen your business to business connections.

We provide 2 specialized services that drive the success of our clients. The Technical Assistance Program gives eligible businesses time with subject matter experts to improve online presence, develop financial control, and implement management tools that build the foundational elements for success. The TechLab initiative levels the digital landscape by providing clients access to technology tools and hands-on assistance to build visibility and manage business growth. 

We work and exist thanks to our alliances, and are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition to the resources we have onsite, business information and support are available at the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership and at your local district office.

We are part of the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business, named one of the nation's most outstanding business schools by The Princeton Review. We are also an active member and participant in the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC), the organization that supports the national network of over 150 Women Business Centers (WBC) across the U.S. Its role is to make our voice heard in Washington, advocating for continued support of the WBC program and communicating the centers' collective impact.

Meet the Team

We know it takes a village. After helping thousands of local businesses get off the ground, we understand that it takes a team to launch a dream. Meet our in-house Dream Team below:

James C. Lofink
Interim Director; Adjunct Professor
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Lacey Banks McGill
Women's Business Center Program Manager
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Shelli McMillen Orosz
Program Manager of Marketing and Technical Assistance, Entrepreneurial & Women's Business Center
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Elaine Thomas Williams
Business Advisor, Entrepreneurial & Women's Business Center
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne
Business Advisor, Entrepreneurial & Women's Business Center
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Vanessa Fanis
Database and Technology Coordinator, Entrepreneurial & Women's Business Center
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile
Mary Flores
Administrative Assistant
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

View Full Profile

University Connections

Barney School of Business

The EWBC staff and clients interact with Barney faculty and students on many levels, each sharing their knowledge and skills. The EWBC provides internships to Barney business students, offering them valuable experience in the small business community. Barney faculty members bring their expertise to various EWBC programs.

More About Barney
The Construction Institute

The Institute provides ways of thinking and being that challenge the status quo and advance the way environments are designed and built. It is the only association that includes all industry professionals working together to take responsibility for the future of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry.

More About the Institute

Thank you to our funders

Entrepreneurial Center funders

Start Your UHart Journey Now