Historically Black Alcorn State University has opened a new Women’s Business Center on campus. The Women’s Business Center’s mission is to empower women to become entrepreneurs through the education, training, and resources that the center provides. The center will offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics, including business startup, financial management, and procurement.
Alfred Galtney, director for research and sponsored programs at Alcorn State University, said that the center will be a great resource not only for preparing future businesswomen but also for attracting more students to the university. “It’s an inspiring opportunity,” said Galtney. “People have been able to survive and do okay with minimal resources. I imagine what this landscape would look like within the next five to 10 years. Now that resources will be within the grasps of so many Southwest Mississippi and Louisiana parish residents, the university could receive more talented students, provide more opportunities for them, and begin producing more trailblazers in business.”
Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn State University, added that “our goal is to guide our future women and minority business owners so that they can be staples in improving Mississippi’s economy while building generational wealth for their families. The center will be ideal for shaping the next generation of successful business owners.”
The US. Small Business Administration is providing $150,000 annually for five years to support the center.
