BENTON HARBOR, Mich., (December 4, 2024) – The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance is proud to launch its inaugural Business Plan Certified short-term certification program in January 2025. Participants will graduate with a certification in small business planning, equipping them to build sustainable businesses and attract capital investment.
This six-month course empowers entrepreneurs at all stages with tailored business planning tracks, expert one-on-one support, and training to craft funding-ready, pitch-perfect business plans. “Whether you are starting a new business or an established business planning your growth strategy, this certification will set your business plan apart from the rest as it will be built with the strength of the WBC’s credible trainers, counseling and an AI-enabled online tool,” said Brandy Jaquez, WBC Director. “If you are joining a pitch competition or applying for a grant or loan, your plan will be viable and validated.”
The program is tailored to two tracks – start-ups and established businesses entering growth stage. Participants will receive comprehensive training in essential business fundamentals, learn to develop robust business plans, conduct thorough market research, and implement effective marketing and financial strategies. Additionally, they will gain access to the Live Plan Platform, a powerful tool that is AI-enabled to help develop a business plan with ease.
Key components of the program include:
- Monthly workshops: Covering topics such as business idea development, financial planning, marketing and sales, and operations management.
- One-on-one business counseling: Personalized guidance from experienced in-house business advisors.
- Certification upon graduation: Validate your skills and knowledge with a recognized certification
The WBC is proud to partner with Stearns Bank, a Minnesota-based and certified women-owned national bank that is supporting the program through funding for training and a credit-building program for all participants. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools needed to succeed, especially female business owners. Stearns Bank brings a deep understanding of the challenges women entrepreneurs face, including access to training, capital, and tailored financial services.
"We’re honored to partner with the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance to offer this is a one-of-a-kind certificate program for women entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan and provide them with a suite of tools that can take their businesses to the next level,” said Maggie Rivera, VP, Corporate Social Responsibility & Inclusive Growth at Stearns Bank. “We know that women entrepreneurs nationwide need greater access – whether that's access to training, mentorship, capital or markets, or more meaningful banking relationships – to unlock their full financial potential and this new certificate program is a step in the right direction for women in Southwest Michigan to achieve their long-term financial goals.”
Stearns Bank’s support reinforces the program’s focus on delivering a comprehensive framework for business success. By combining specialized training with access to financial resources and mentorship, this partnership ensures participants graduate with not only a certification but also a competitive edge in pursuing funding and business growth.
Orientation is January 15, sign up here: WBC Cornerstone Alliance. To learn more about the Business Plan Certified short-term certification, please contact Chrissy Meek at 269-757-0206 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information about the Women’s Business Center and its programs, please visit www.cornerstonewbc.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, and on Instagram at wbc_cornerstone.