The Women’s Business Center at WBEC-East invites local banks, credit unions, CDFIs, investor organizations and other community-based financial institutions to partner with us in expanding access to capital for small businesses in our region.
Lender Link is our year-round program designed to connect small-business-friendly financial institutions with the entrepreneurs who need you most.
Finding the right lending partner can be tough – but that’s where you come in. If your organization specializes in small business growth or offers coaching and community support beyond the typical lending relationship, we want you in the WBEC-East Lender Link network!
The entrepreneurs in our network come from every industry, business stage, and revenue size.
We welcome partners who bring varied pathways to capital, helping each business find its fit.
DIRECTORY OF COMMUNITY LENDERS
Highlight your organization as a small-business-friendly lender.
Showcase what makes your program and lending products unique.
Publicly accessible year-round for our network of 2,000+ entrepreneurs.
COMING SOON
QUARTERLY PANEL PRESENTATION
Live webinar panels featuring our partners – you!
Speak directly to small business owners seeking funding options.
Present on the dates of your choice; panels will rotate partners.
2026 dates: March 16, June 25, Sept 17, Dec 2; All 6-7:30pm
GO TO EVENTS PAGE
1-ON-1 CONNECTIONS
During each panel, attendees will have the chance to request a
follow up 1-on-1 with you to learn more.
We’ll send you this list so you can schedule follow-ups at your
convenience. Help us track our impact: we’ll reach out a few
weeks later to confirm who participated in follow-up connections.**
** WBEC-East staff are connectors, not loan case managers. We will never ask you to share confidential financial information from clients or to report on ongoing client relationships beyond the initial 1-on-1 connection. Our tracking is limited to program attendance and follow‑up sessions, reported in aggregate to our federal grant and used to provide personalized ongoing support to our businesses.
This program provides equal visibility to all reputable financial institutions. Our programs are designed to educate, not endorse any single lender.
Questions: Please email Evelyn Martinez (Program Coordinator) at emartinez@wbeceast.com or Colleen LaCoss (Director of Business Development and Certification) at clacoss@wbeceast.com.
The program is open to individuals of all genders, races, religions, abilities, etc.