SESLOC Spotlight highlights local organizations that make the Central Coast the best place to live.
The Mission Community Services Corporation’s Women’s Business Center supports local entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing resources and education. Charlene Rosales, Deputy Director/COVID Manager, explains how this organization helps potential and existing businesses succeed:
MSCS’s Women’s Business Center
Industry: Nonprofit
Serving the Central Coast since: Mission Community Services Corporation (MCSC) formed in 1998 and is a 501(c)3 that has been host to the U.S. Small Business Administration Women’s Business Center since October 2006.
How many employees? We have 4 full-time employees and 1 part-time bilingual program coordinator at our SLO headquarters to serve SLO and Monterey counties. In addition, there are 2 full-time and 1 part-time employees located in Bakersfield that serve Kern County.
How many volunteers? 5 volunteers on our Board of Directors, plus 30+ consultants and instructors that provide business expertise on a variety of subjects to our clients.
What’s your mission? We are dedicated to enhancing opportunities for potential entrepreneurs and small business owners to become self-sustaining, successful contributors to their communities, with special assistance for women, low-income individuals, minorities and veterans in San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Monterey Counties.
What’s unique about the Women’s Business Center? The Women’s Business Center is a full-service, technical assistance and training resource for entrepreneurs of all stages throughout our County. Special focus is directed to underserved low-to-moderate income minority women and our services are at little or mostly no-cost to our clients. All of our training and consulting services are available in English and Spanish. While over 75% of our clients identify as female, we serve all community members that come to us.
What do you attribute to your success? Our clients. We love providing resources and making their dreams come true to help them start, run and grow their businesses.
What advice would you give someone interested in supporting your mission? We are always looking for professional consultants and instructors to add to our team as well as sponsors to help us provide our services to our clients. We are currently offering our programs online and many opportunities are available. Contact us at (805) 595-1357 or [email protected].
