Institute for Innovation & EntrepreneurshipWomen's Business Center
Creating a Path for Success
At Women's Business Center (WBC), we're inspired by women who are empowered, impassioned, and committed to success. Recognizing the challenges of an increasingly complex marketplace, we work to educate, inspire and support women entrepreneurs as they launch and grow influential, profitable businesses.
As part of the ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), the mission of the WBC is to enable women's entrepreneurship by providing low to no cost tools for women to successfully own, operate and grow their small business, thereby creating economic opportunities and job growth by investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in the Hampton Roads community.
Become a Member Member Log InABOUT US
See how our mission can align with your vision for empowered success
SERVICES & RESOURCES
Education, counseling, networking resources and entrepreneurial training
ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Find news & announcements here.
SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT
We revel in our clients' success -- your story could be next!
TRAINING VIDEOS
Browse our library of training videos
VIRGINIA WORKFORCE CENTER
Check out opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs!
LISC Hampton Roads Invests $825,000 in Small Business Assistance Initiatives
With a continued commitment to supporting small businesses, LISC Hampton Roads awarded ODU Women's Business Center with a $75,000 grant during a special presentation at the organization's 10-year anniversary event.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
ODU's Women's Business Center invites you to join Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program, where you will not only get access to courses, live coaching sessions and invaluable learning material, but can also apply for a $10,000 grant exclusive to program users. Once you register for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program, please email us at wbcinfo@odu.edu and enter in the subject line "Verizon Registration" to be entered into our end-of-program drawing.
Get Started
I would first like to thank you all for the opportunity to be a part of the Dreambuilders program. This was an AMAZING experience and although we have already started our business, we learned SO much!!! Words cannot express my gratitude for this opportunity!!!
Thanks for all your assistance. I received my SWaM certification notice last week and have been hired to serve as Executive Director of Hospice House of Hampton Roads and am writing grants for Make-a-Wish. I really appreciate your tips and the online sessions.
This class has been more rewarding than I had even imagined. Your expertise, encouragement and push has propelled me to continue to build and launch a vision that has been in my heart for years.
Create a Member Profile to Get Started
Creating a Member Profile gives you to access all the services and resources WBC can provide. Registration is fast, easy, and free. The benefits of membership include:
- Quick and easy event registration
- Safe & secure auto-completion of government forms for your business
- Confidential business advice at no charge
- Unlimited access to our paid database of business and marketing materials
- Connection to a growing local network of successful entrepreneurs
100
New Businesses Opened
330
businesses counseled
3,800+
Individual women served
$27.5 M
Added to our economy
9,600
Hours of Training
Education, training & resources to help you:
- Start your own business from the ground up
- Maximize business growth and profitability
- Develop strategic management methods
- Improve leadership and business skills
- Acquire a support, referral and resource network
- Access capital and manage cash flow
- Market your business and keep it competitive
Attend an Event - ONLINE!
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Women's Business Center (WBC) is funded in part by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and is a program of the Old Dominion University (ODU) Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE).
