Former Idaho WBC Executive Director Launches National Women's Business Community Network and the NWBCN Foundation

Boise, Idaho - July 19, 2023

Diane Bevan, the visionary leader and former CEO/Founder of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation and Executive Director of the Idaho Women's Business Center, is thrilled to announce the launch of her new venture. With unwavering passion for serving all women founders, she introduces the National Women's Business Community Network (NWBCN) and the NWBCN Foundation. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide comprehensive support and resources to women entrepreneurs nationwide, fostering inclusivity, equity, and empowerment.

Joining forces with notable founding board members, including Sheli Gartman (CEO of Women Ignite International), Rebecca Oaxaca (community support and real estate investor), and Dan Harrington (Founder of MAXGiving), Diane Bevan embarks on this transformative journey to uplift, connect, and support women founders, entrepreneurs, women-led nonprofits, professionals, and emerging women leaders nationwide. Collaborating with Women's Business Centers in all 50 states and the 3 WBCs in Puerto Rico, the NWBCN strives to create a powerful network that breaks down barriers and promotes economic empowerment for women-owned businesses and women-led nonprofits.

The mission of the National Women's Business Community Network is deeply rooted in the belief that women possess the power to drive innovation, create jobs, strengthen local communities, and overcome social and cultural barriers. Diane Bevan's dedication to mentoring emerging leaders is evident through her past mentoring sessions for WBCs, where she has assisted new Directors and centers. Her favorite quote, "Sharing is caring," resonates with her commitment to helping all WBCs succeed in execution and fundraising for their required SBA match. The NWBCN aims to bridge the gap and facilitate the growth of WBCs to meet the increasing needs of their clients effectively.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in enhancing women's economic empowerment, providing them with the means to overcome societal and cultural obstacles and become self-reliant. By encouraging women to establish their own businesses and nonprofits, they can generate income, create job opportunities, contribute to economic growth, and improve overall well-being. The NWBCN Foundation board members, all of whom have been entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, understand firsthand the challenges women face and are eager to leverage their experiences, a network of national partners, and community resources. They are creating an innovative Give-Back program to reinvest in Women's Business Centers, equipping them with the necessary tools to serve their clients more effectively.

Additionally, the NWBCN Foundation will soon introduce details of their first grant opportunity for members, the Kirsten B. Harrington honorary women-owned small business technology grants.

The primary focus of the NWBCN is to support inspired women driven by their entrepreneurial spirit, providing them with resources, guidance, and encouragement to succeed. Recognizing that entrepreneurship goes beyond building businesses, the NWBCN acknowledges its role in positively impacting individuals, families, and communities.

To achieve its mission, the NWBCN works hand in hand with Women's Business Center (WBC) Directors and staff nationwide. By collaborating with these dedicated professionals, the NWBCN amplifies its ability to serve women entrepreneurs more comprehensively and impactfully. The partnership allows for utilizing expertise, localized knowledge, and strong community connections of WBCs. Together, a powerful network can be formed, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs.

Through this collaboration, the NWBCN Foundation, the National WBC Network, and Women's Business Centers combine their resources to provide tailored services addressing the unique needs of diverse women, cultures, and communities. These services encompass comprehensive training and education, a robust mentorship program, online community engagement, and improved access to capital—the most significant barrier for women in business.

The NWBCN Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) organization alongside the introduction of the National Women's Business Community Network, is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, women-led nonprofits, and Women's Business Centers in every possible way. The foundation believes in the transformative power of women as agents of change and envisions a more equitable world by empowering them. Its mission is to provide resources, grant opportunities, peer-to-peer mentoring, and networking platforms for women entrepreneurs and WBCs, regardless of their background or experience level.

The National Women's Business Community Network invites all women entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, women-led nonprofits, professionals, supporters, and advocates to join the movement and become part of this empowering community. Together, we can create a powerful online network, share knowledge, inspire one another, and drive the success of women-owned businesses and women-led nonprofits.

Diane Bevan, CEO/Founder

diane@nwbcn.com