WBC Logo ☰

Uncategorised

Our Team 2021

Our Team

Brandy Jaquez

Manager, Women's Business Center 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (269) 757-0211

Read more ...

 

WBC Advisory Council

The Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance Advisory Council is comprised of local professionals who provide guidance, technical assistance and advocacy for the WBC.

The Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance 2024-2025 Advisory Council Members are:

Rebecca (Becky) Spicer
Retail Business Banker, 1st Source Bank

Marci Taylor
General Manager, WSMK Radio

Afiya Latham
Owner, Express Employment Professionals 

Ashley Stephens
CEO, N S Cosmetics 

Melanie Owens
Owner/Manager, Lazy Ballerina Winery

Laura Martin
Branding & Marketing Manager, The Aesthetics Lounge and Spa St. Joseph

RFQ

Request For Quote

Throughout the year, the WBC produces programs for small, women and minority businesses to help them start and grow. To successfully deliver products and services that meet their needs, the WBC is looking to do business with suppliers who specialize in various areas. To provide an accurate evaluation, please attach all electronic files, prints, samples, and customer references. Business owners must be in good standing with the state in which they are located and not be on U.S. Small Business Administration’s disbarment list.

Submit a RFP

 

RFQ Application Form

Thank You

Thank you for your submission. A representative will be in contact soon. 

RFP

Thank you for your interest

The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance (WBC) provides one-on-one business counseling, technical assistance and trainings for women, men, minorities, veterans and low-income individuals in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The WBC is a grant program partially funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the generosity of Cornerstone Alliance investors.

Each year, the WBC hires Independent Contractors (individuals and/or organizations) from the community to provide unique programming that supports and educates entrepreneurs on such topics as marketing, business finance, taxation and law, human resources, etc. We are looking for subject matter experts to instruct/facilitate classes in business related topics.

Benefits of being a WBC session expert:

  • Your name and logo listed as the expert on all event advertising - e-blasts, social media, website and newsletter
  • You’ll establish brand awareness within the small business community in SW MI
  • You can give out literature or promotional goodies to attendees
  • You will have the opportunity to connect with potential new clients during the session and outside of the session during your complimentary consultation
  • You’ll receive a list of attendees and their email addresses immediately following the session

Contractor Guidelines: Persons and/or organizations chosen to work for the WBC as an Independent Contractor must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have a proven track record of subject matter expertise in their chosen field/topic.
  • Must be eligible to contract with the Federal Government (not on the Federal Debarment list)
  • Must be in good standing with the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the Michigan Secretary of State, and the Better Business Bureau.
  • The WBC serves Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in Michigan. Preference will be given to experts who live in those areas or who are from Michigan.
  • Must be comfortable working with and speaking in a respectful manner to women, racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, LGBTQ, disabled, and low-income people.
  • Must not use this opportunity as a sales pitch.
  • Must understand that this application does not constitute a contract for employment. The WBC at Cornerstone Alliance reserves the right to refuse any sale/service for any reason

If you are interested in working as an Independent Contractor for the WBC, please complete this application and submit the required supplemental materials to Kristen Patzer, Director of the WBC at Cornerstone Alliance, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Submit a RFQ

Submit a Proposal application

 

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR APPLICATION

Please provide the following information for the person who will be teaching/facilitating.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Subject Matter: Please indicate which topics session(s) you are interested in facilitating:

Fees

The Women’s Business Center and Microloan Program and are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made requested at least two weeks in advance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Cornerstone Alliance and the Renaissance Development Fund are equal opportunity providers, and employer.

 

Session Proposals

Earlier this year, the WBC surveyed clients on their top challenges. From the results, the WBC will plan programs that address the specific needs of entrepreneurs and train them toward success. However, the WBC is open to ideas for a class, so we encourage all subject matter experts to submit a proposal.

You will be notified via email once completed application is received. If your proposal is accepted and you are being considered as a subject matter expert to teach a training, you will be notified by a WBC staffer.

Proposal form:

Please provide a proposal form for each topic you would like to facilitate.

Suggested speaker/speakers.

The Women’s Business Center and Microloan Program are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made requested at least two weeks in advance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Cornerstone Alliance and the Renaissance Development Fund are equal opportunity providers, and employers.

News

Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance

Small Fish, Big Pitch

 Small Fish Big Pitch Logo

About the Competition

In today’s business climate marketing is one of the biggest challenges that small businesses are experiencing. An enterprise needs marketing to grow like a fish needs water to survive! Holt Bosse, in partnership with Cornerstone Alliance and the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, launched the Small Fish, Big Pitch competition to help support local small businesses. Join us for this free special event at Shadowland on Silver Beach! 

On September 29th, 2021 at 5:00 PM, three businesses will be awarded one of the following packages to use toward its individual marketing needs:

Big Fish Award - $50,000 - Eligible business operating for 6 years or more
Small Fish Award - $30,000 – Eligible business operating for 1 to 5 years
People's Choice Award - $20,000 – Event favorite chosen by attendees

Businesses will be evaluated on the following:
• Growth potential
• Community involvement and Impact
• Sustainability
• Uniqueness in the market

Celebrity judges will select the top two prize winners, but your vote is needed to select the People's Choice Award winner! You can help one ambitous entrepreneur win in-kind marketing services from Holt Bosse to be used within two years.

Register here to save your seat at the event. 

---------------------------------------------------------------

Applications were assessed using this criteria:
• Small business in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County
• At least 1 year old with sales
• Privately owned and in good standing with the State of Michigan
• For profit entity (Not for profits and 501c3 organizations are ineligible)
• Attach materials such as, but not limited to, a pitch deck, lean canvas, business plan, etc.
• Attend a Learn, Know, Grow: Intro. to Small Business Services orientation and workshop
• Be prepared to tell your business’s story
• Pitch experience is not required! All genders, ethnicities, races, and backgrounds are welcome!

 

For inquiries please contact Brandon Campbell, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

  1. Empty
  2. Donate
  3. Invest in small business
  4. About Us New