Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) launched in Vermont

The Center for Women & Enterprise Women's Business Center Vermont was chosen by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) to be one of 9 small business assistance program ‘spokes" from across the state to participate in the new Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). CNPP will deliver technical assistance service contracts to aid Vermont business recovery. This program was launched as part of a national initiative introduced by President Biden and Vice President Harris whereby the VtSBDC was chosen as one of fifty-one (51) grantees nationwide to be part of the?Small Business Administration's CNPP.

Through this collaborative program, CWE is joining with our partners to provide technical assistance to even more rural Vermonters, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, BIPOC Vermonters, and New American community members so they can make an informed decision about business ownership and growth in their lives.

According to the SBA, the Community Navigator Pilot Program is designed to "reduce barriers that all small businesses — including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women and those from rural communities —often face in accessing critical support."

The Community Navigator Pilot Program uses a "hub and spoke" model, with VT SBDC as the hub, and nine spoke organizations that will create impact through the central hub. Together, they will leverage partnerships with deeply trusted community-based organizations to help small businesses navigate government resources and tap into critical resources, according to the SBA's plan.

To learn more about the program visit www.CWEonline.org/communitynavigators

This work is supported with funding in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

About the Center for Women & Enterprise

Established in 1995, the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is a non-profit organization that empowers women to launch and grow their business – so they in turn can drive economic growth, lift up their communities, and create a more equitable world. CWE also operates the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE) that equips veteran and active duty service members and their families with the resources to help them start and run their businesses.

As New England&'s leading organization for women entrepreneurs, we work hard to ensure that all women, regardless of their economic status, are provided access to our programs and services. CWE offers scholarships to disadvantaged clients while fostering influential relationships for successful businesswomen at the other end of the financial spectrum.

The Center for Women & Enterprise provides education, training, resources and connections to women (and men) through Centers in Boston, MA; Westborough, MA; Manchester, NH; Providence, RI; Burlington, VT; and Community Classrooms throughout New England.

In addition, CWE is the New England affiliate for Women&'s Business Enterprise National Council?(WBENC), serving as their certification arm for women-owned businesses. WBENC Certification is nationally recognized in helping established women business owners access new corporate contracts with organizations that are actively seeking supplier diversity.?

To learn more about CWE visit, www.CWEonline.org. Find CWE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CenterforWomenandEnterprise , Instagram at www.Instagram.com/CWETalk , Twitter at www.twitter.com/CWETalk , and LinkedIn, Friends of Center for Women & Enterprise.