EWBC to Partner with Small Business Administration on New Host

September 07, 2023

Submitted By: Office of Marketing and Communication

In partnership with the federal Small Business Administration (SBA), the University of Hartford is in the process of aligning the Entrepreneurial and Women’s Business Center (EWBC) with a new host organization. Following the formal federal grant process, a new host is expected to be announced this fall.

The U.S. SBA, which funds the EWBC in addition to other public and private support, will work with the University and current clients to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition.

“Over decades, SBA’s partnership with the EWBC has assisted entrepreneurs at every stage and in every industry. We praise its service to our Greater Hartford community which was established with the first WBC SBA project grant in 1999," stated Catherine Marx, SBA Connecticut district director. "Together our teams will ensure that there is continuity of service, and we are grateful for the longevity of collaboration with the University of Hartford.”

“We are very proud of the work we have accomplished and the resources we have provided to small business owners in the region,” said Lacey Banks McGill, program manager for the Women’s Business Center. “We are personally connecting with past and present clients to ensure there is limited disruption to services. Many are sharing in our optimism about what a larger and more experienced small business organization can do for the community.”

Both organizations feel a new home for the EWBC will allow the program to reach its full potential as a modern resource for local entrepreneurs. The goal is to secure a new host organization that has a dedicated mission to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.

For may years, the University has explored the possibility of a new host with partners at the U.S. SBA, and its CT division.

To ensure there is limited disruption to services, the EWBC is in the process of personally reaching out to active clients to assess their short-term needs, and to make sure they have access to the appropriate resources during this transition. The Center is working to transfer their cases to other partners for the interim. All groups involved are confident services will continue through the transition to a new host through these plans.

The University’s Barney School of Business will continue to offer entrepreneurship and related academic programs to its students, in addition to community programming. Targeted programs to help small business in the region, including projects for marketing communications support, finance and tax assistance, and the micro business incubator consulting with Upper Albany Main Street, will continue. The University is currently working with local leaders to establish a more robust internship program to assist local nonprofits.

“We applaud the significant achievements and impactful contributions of the EWBC,” said Stephen Mulready, acting president at UHart. “The University of Hartford takes pride in everything we contribute to our communities and state, across our academic programs and offerings. We will continue to be engaged and involved in projects and services, and we look forward to the future growth and potential of this partnership.”