Our Purpose
Jacksonville Women's Business Center (JWBC) started operations in November 2004 to advance the success of women entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Both aspiring and existing business owners gain access to education, capital, resources and networks to help them become more successful. Programs are designed to deliver these benefits in support of women as they launch and grow their businesses. The JWBC serves clients in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs at Every Step
Jacksonville Women's Business Center is committed to supporting the woman entrepreneur at every stage of business development as she faces all types of business challenges while becoming increasingly successful.

• Aspiring – Has an idea and a commitment to explore it


• Emerging – Engaged in defining a market, developing products and services and building a business organization


• Growing - Has experienced dramatic expansion success with evidence of developing professional management and systems


• Accomplished - Proven processes, effective management and continuous profitable growth

Message from the Vice President and Director

Pat Blanchard

Sandy Bartow

The phenomenal growth of entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, is the most significant economic development with worldwide impact. Our community is no exception. Statistics show active and successful women entrepreneurs have a positive impact on the economy.

In the 1970s, women owned only six percent of all privately held businesses. Today, that number has grown to nearly 50 percent nationally. Promoting women business owners is a smart economic development strategy.

The number of women starting businesses and their success creating wealth and generating new jobs exceeds national averages. Yet, these entrepreneurs face multiple challenges launching and growing their businesses. Research and our own clients tell us repeatedly how important training, mentoring and networking are to them.

Jacksonville Women's Business Center is a community initiative that seamlessly blends the necessary ingredients to build a strong economy. Our organization leads eager and highly motivated entrepreneurs to the education and expertise they need to become profitable business owners. We offer no promises, but deliver effective action that leads to measurable progress.

We invite women entrepreneurs, or women dreaming of becoming business owners, to come to our center; and we urge all to support our work with their time, talent and treasure as we realize our vision to be the premier organization in Jacksonville helping women achieve entrepreneurial success and create community wealth.

Sandy Bartow
Vice President, Chamber Small Business

Pat Blanchard
Director

To learn how you can partner with the Jacksonville Women's Business Center click here