The Missouri Women’s Business Center has formally launched its microlending program as of Wednesday evening, supported by a generous grant of $839,000 from Upward Momentum. This funding, awarded to its parent organization, Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA), is essential for assisting small business owners in mid-Missouri. Jayme Prenger, the Director of the Missouri Women’s Business Center, shared her excitement about this new endeavor, emphasizing that the grant will facilitate the hiring of a capital access program manager to lead the microlending initiative. “This program aims to alleviate the apprehensions that small businesses face when seeking loans from banks,” Prenger stated.…

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have launched a collaborative funding program aimed at empowering newcomer women entrepreneurs in the province. An investment of $255,000 will be designated to Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (WESK) for its training support initiative tailored for newcomers. This program is set to assist 25 newcomer women in launching or growing their businesses. Ana Liza Carlos, a member of WESK and the proprietor of Little Patch of Heaven Daycare, shared her journey with the organization. Having migrated from the Philippines, Carlos encountered difficulties adjusting to life in Canada, including challenges with language and severe weather.…