The Women’s Fund of Southwest Florida is partnering with SCORE Naples and the Economic Development Investment Fund to help women business owners in Collier County.
Women business owners and entrepreneurs in Collier County can apply for loans from $5,000 to $50,000 to start-up or expand a business. They will be connected to the Economic Development Investment Fund’s Rural Microenterprise Revolving Fund for the capital. As the fund increases the program will be offered to women in Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
President of The Women’s Fund of Southwest Florida Brenda Tate said a recent study her organization commissioned on the status of women in the area showed the need.
“We discovered that this was a large barrier for women in business and of course this fund will be paired with wrap around services such as mentoring, training and counseling for the women who want to pursue a business,” said Tate.
According to the recent Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey, 78 percent of Florida’s small businesses were not able to get financing.
Interested women should contact the SCORE Naples chapter at scorenaples.org which offers counseling and help preparing the loan application.