The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA) received a $10,000 grant from Comerica Bank to fund the WBEA’s newly created COVID-19 Relief Fund. This award provides financial assistance to offset certification application fees for microenterprises and mid-market businesses within the WBEA Houston service area and launch the “Ask the Banker” virtual discussion series.
WBEA President April Day expressed her appreciation for the support of Comerica Bank. “We are grateful that Comerica Bank continues its of women-owned companies,” Day stated. “The funds will ensure that our small business entities can avoid the additional burden of determining how they will cover certification related expenses as they recover from the impact of COVID-19 in addition to providing a direct line for banking resources and information.”
The new WBEA COVID-19 Relief Fund provides financial support for application fees required to renew Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certifications. Day explained both the WBE and WOSB designations are critical to retain a certified entity’s standing required for corporate and federal procurement contracting opportunities.
“We see firsthand how COVID-19 is having an impact on our small business community,” said Vanessa T. Reed, Comerica Bank Regional External Affairs Manager. “This donation enables WBEA to extend its reach and ensure business owners can successfully overcome this challenging time as well as complete their required certifications.”
As an affiliate of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEA serves as the third-party certifying business development organization for women-owned businesses in 94 Texas counties. Each year, the WBEA certifies approximately 700 entities. To find out more about WBEA and the small business certification process, visit wbea-texas.org.
About the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA):
The Women's Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA), a nationally recognized business development and purchasing council, is a pacesetter in helping women-owned business enterprises grow and develop. As an affiliate of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEA serves as the third-party certifying organization for women-owned businesses in 94 Texas counties. WBEA is strongly committed to increasing opportunities for women-owned businesses and providing qualified suppliers to corporate and government purchasers. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has established technical training, coaching, scholarship and mentoring programs, and has become one of the nation's leading certifiers of women-owned businesses. The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance serves as a U.S. Small Business Administration Resource Center through their WBEA Women’s Business Center providing business advising and access to capital. Certification and collaborative programs to build businesses are what WBEA does best. Learn more at wbea-texas.org.
About Comerica Bank
Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $76.3 billion at March 31, 2020 and celebrated its 170th anniversary last year.