The Missouri Women’s Business Center Team
From the Director
As 2025 begins, we are excited to reflect on the incredible strides the Missouri Women’s Business Center (MoWBC) has made. We’ve built significant momentum, achieved key milestones, and set the stage for continued growth and greater impact in the year ahead.
This past year, we experienced unparalleled growth as we expanded our services and strengthened our support for entrepreneurs across Missouri. The passion and dedication of the entrepreneurs we serve, combined with the hard work of our talented team, have allowed us to create lasting change and foster meaningful impact. Together, we’ve built a supportive and dynamic ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive.
One of the proudest moments in 2024 for me was watching Abigail, Tiowana, and Nadia represent MoWBC at the National Association of Women’s Business Centers Conference. Their presentations were a testament to the success of our programs and the impact we are making on a national level by sharing valuable insights and best practices with other centers across the country.
One of our major accomplishments in 2024 was the launch of our Capital Access Program, made possible by a significant grant. This funding has expanded our ability to offer critical financial resources to entrepreneurs, equipping them with the capital and tools they need to scale and succeed. Additionally, we relaunched our website to create a more user-friendly, informative, and engaging space for our clients, partners, and supporters. The redesigned site serves as a dynamic hub for all MoWBC offerings, helping us better meet the needs of our growing community. We are also excited about our partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC), through which we received a grant that allowed us to provide essential funding through pitch competitions. We were thrilled to watch so many of our clients secure the financial backing they need to bring their visions to life.
Lastly, we were deeply honored in 2024 to receive the National AWBC Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award. This prestigious recognition speaks to the dedication of our team and the commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation at MoWBC.
As we reflect on this incredible year, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community, clients, and partners. Together, we’ve accomplished so much—and the best is yet to come. In 2025, we will continue to champion entrepreneurs, support their businesses, and build upon the momentum we’ve gained.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Here’s to another year of empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and creating lasting change!
Jayme DirectorPrenger Abigail OperationsBeelerAdministrator
Tiowana Warrick Program Manager
Joe ProgramProphetManager
Nadia BusinessRyakhmyatullov Education Instructor
Amanda Oniyama Shop Assistant Manager
Kim Ashcraft Business Coach
Kasi BusinessLaceyCoach
Jayme Prenger, Director
What We Do
Business Development & Strategy
• Business Coaching
• Kauffman FastTrac® Business Academy
• The Shops at Sharp End
Community Engagement & Networking
• Advocacy
• Workshops
• Women Who Own It Awards
Financial Management & Funding
• Capital Access Program for Small Businesses
• Kiva Loans
• Make Me Bankable Program
• Pitch Competitions
Personal & Professional Growth
• Caffeinated Minds
• Childcare Business Cohort
• Monthly Workshops
Our programs:
Business Development & Strategy
Business Coaching
Missouri Women’s Business Center clients receive one-on-one business coaching provided at no cost. Our coaches offer firsthand expertise in navigating the complexities of business development while balancing entrepreneurial and personal commitments.
“872 one-onone coaching sessions
Through my business coach’s guidance, I’ve gained clarity on my goals, and I’ve been able to refine my branding, pricing, and marketing, which has led to increased sales. Her support has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, resulting in more creativity and innovation in my offerings.
Kauffman FastTrac
”July Ramirez, Julie Vanessa Cake Boutique
new businesses started $609,455.87 in capital infusions
FastTrac Business Academy is a comprehensive entrepreneurial training program that equips aspiring business owners with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to start, manage, and grow a successful business. The program covers areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency,.
Completing the FastTrac Business Academy is a significant accomplishment, as it reflects dedication, hard work, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
“The Shops at Sharp End has been a true blessing for Black Tea Bookshop. In this past year, I have learned a great deal about business and began doing just what I set out to do: grow the Black Tea Bookshop community.
”Candace Hulsizer, Black Tea Bookshop
Shops at Sharp End
In collaboration with The District and Columbia REDI, our retail incubator, The Shops at Sharp End, provides aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain retail experience while testing their products in the market. This year, small business owners earned nearly $25,000 through shop sales.
WBC Client Participants:
• Neisha Burney: Designs by Neisha
• Felice Ford: Franky Karmen
• Ranjana Hans: Raw Roots Turmeric
• Candace Hulsizer: Black Tea Bookshop
• Alena Ryakhmyatullov: Cleana by Alena
• Molly West: Fudge Brand
Alena Ryakhmyatullov
Nadia Bihomara
Marsha Broadus
Kimberly Fisher
Heather Crane, Taniesha Boone
Cleana by Alena
The Blowout and Brow Bar Mae’B Boutique Forty 18, LLC Forever Framed Puzzles
424 total clients in 2024
Community Engagement & Networking
Women Who Own It Awards
The Women Who Own It Awards, established in 2018, celebrate and recognize the significant role that female entrepreneurship plays in driving communities forward. These awards highlight the achievements of women who have established and led successful businesses, showcasing their innovation, leadership, and contributions to economic development. By honoring these women, the awards also aim to inspire future female entrepreneurs, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment. 2024 Awardees:
Pictured from left to right:
Amanda Keene, Flowers on Phoenix
Nikki Gouge, Beckett’s
Jen Hedrick, SOA Architecture
Nicci Rexroat, A Place to Grow
Jennifer Schenck, The Connection Exchange
Lauren Wieberg, 404 Marketing Agency
Rebekah Vaught, Beks
Kiarah Harris, The Cookie Club
Women in Business Advocacy Day at the Capitol
One of our key advocacy initiatives occurs annually in the spring, when we visit the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City to engage with elected officials and raise awareness about our impactful small business initiatives. This was our second year hosting the event, and we are thrilled to have doubled our attendance. Our team is excited to continue building on this momentum moving forward!
“Walking into the Capitol as a small business owner, a woman, and a minority entrepreneur filled me with both pride and purpose. It was a day to not only share my journey but also to amplify the collective voice of women making a difference in the business world. Hearing from the governor about his vision for supporting entrepreneurship and economic development was both inspiring and affirming. It underscored the importance of having leaders who champion policies that uplift women entrepreneurs and ensure our voices are heard.
”Krystal Martin, K&K Co.
Financial Management & Funding Capital Access Program
In Fall 2024, we officially launched our Capital Access Program. This program allows us to support our clients with microloans for startup or expansion costs. Many times, banks are hesitant to lend to new small business owners. Through our Capital Access Program, we have lending capital to partner with local banks to provide microloans from $500-$5,000 to our clients.
$200,000 in lending capital received from grant funding!
Kiva Loans Trustee
With funding from National League of Cities, we held pitch competitions and awarded $44,000 to small business owners!
A Kiva loan is a crowdfunded microloan that connects individual lenders with entrepreneurs or small businesses around the world, offering interest-free funding to support their ventures and empower communities. As a KIVA trustee, we coach our clients in applying for and paying back their Kiva loans.
MoWBC staff helped me through the application process in person, which was very helpful as a new business owner with a very full plate! Our KIVA loan paid for our coffee equipment and all the supplies for our cafe. It was such a lifted burden as we moved through the expensive opening phase. It was a quick and painless process to pay back the loan. This funding helped me begin a dream.
Jayci
Gesling, Tiny Play Cafe
Make Me Bankable Program
When starting a business, one of the biggest hurdles an entrepreneur faces is ensuring their personal finances are strong. Banks will examine an owner’s finances when determine whether to partner with a startup business. That’s why we began partnering with CMCA’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) this year for our Make Me Bankable Program.
11 clients dually enrolled
Through this partnership, MoWBC clients can work with a personal financial coach to set and execute SMART goals, operate a household budget, pay down debt, understand a credit report and learn how to build credit, and more.
Our goal is to remove the stigma that financial institutions are intimidating. In reality banks are there to be on your team and guide you toward financial success, personally and professionally.
Jamie Wallingford, FOC Program Administrator, “Financially Fit with FOC” podcast host
Personal & Professional Growth
Caffeinated Minds
Caffeinated Minds serves as Missouri Women’s Business Center’s primary professional development program. Held virtually on Tuesdays from 9-10am, this forum features guest speakers from diverse business fields who discuss topics aligned with our monthly themes.
Topics this year included:
• Building a brand
• Confidence for women
• Corporate Transparency Act/BOI Filing
• Maintaining motivation as a small business owner
• Networking and business relationships
• Overcoming a fear of failure
• Positive financial mindset
• Self care and boundaries
• Setting powerful business goals
• Social media/marketing your business online
• Strategic planning for 2025
• Time management and decision-making tools
Childcare Business Cohort
278 business owners enhanced their expertise Bold indicates most popular topics
Our Childcare Business Cohort is tailored for individuals who are interested in starting a childcare business, currently working in childcare, or are the owner of a childcare business. Through this expanding community, members with ties to the childcare industry gain insights into the business operations of running a childcare facility, network, and learn from peers about best practices. Many cohort participants elect to receive one-on-one childcare business coaching to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Being introduced to Women’s Business Center has been a great resource in our journey to make Childcare Village, Inc. a reality. My business coach and I meet on a regular basis where she always provides helpful insights. She is always available and able to put me in touch with the right resource or make the right introduction to help propel our journey.
66 Childcare Leaders attended MoWBC invested $13,668 into childcare businesses to support equipment and safety improvements
Amanda Kunze, Childcare Village, Inc.
Our 2025 Advisory Board
Julie Baker
Kim Barnes
Stephanie Bell
Mark Claypole
Chrystal L Graves
Lacy Jones
Kiersten O’Dell
Heather Rapp
Laci Jo Rains
Shelby Reed
Nicci Rexroat
Tamera Tateosian
A Look at 2025
January | Inaugural Celebration of Success 2025 Nonprofit Cohort Begins
February | The Shops at Sharp End Program 1 Year Celebration
March | Missouri Women in Business Advocacy Day
June | 2025 FastTrac Cohort Begins
August | Women Who Own It Award Nominations Open
October | Capital Access Cohort Begins
November | Women Who O wn It Awards Women Entrepreneurship Day Event
2024 Major Sponsors
