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Grow Your Business

Successful growth of your business means thinking about the present and the future. Forecasting and planning are critical components in looking forward.

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Small Business Services

Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services fuels the innovation and creativity of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

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Access To Capital

Financial services are available for businesses in need of small scale financing for items such as working capital, inventory, machinery or equipment.

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Programs

We offer relevant programs and resources as well as current Industry best-practices and tools, designed to help the small business owner compete and grow in an ever-changing marketplace.

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At the Women’s Business Center (WBC), we empower women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to achieve financial independence within Southwest Michigan.

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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 Brandy Jaquez, Manager 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

Read the latest on who we are working with and how we’re improving the small business owner experience in Southwest Michigan.

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  • Women’s Business Center Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs with a New Strategic Vision and Start Up Grant Winner

    BENTON HARBOR, Mich., (October 7, 2024) – The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 3rd at the beautiful Sunrise Farms Venue. This milestone event brought together a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, exhibitors, and sponsors, all united in their commitment to supporting women in business. 

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  • Downtown Buchanan Gets New Woman-Owned Business: Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bucktown Parlor

    BUCHANAN, Mich., (Oct. 4, 2024) – The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance is excited to announce the grand opening of Bucktown Parlor, a unique tattoo studio founded by local artist and entrepreneur Faith Boal. 

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The WBC at Cornerstone Alliance would like to thank our investors: