May 25, 2021—The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) was recently awarded $20,000 from Santander Bank, N.A. to continue support for entrepreneurial education for low- or moderate-income (LMI) women entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses in New Hampshire.

The grant was made available through the bank's Charitable Contributions Program and Inclusive Communities Plan (ICP), which focuses on promoting local economic development through small business growth and increasing local economic and financial inclusion. Under the ICP, Santander Bank, N.A.'s donations focus on financial empowerment, small business and entrepreneurship, and affordable housing and healthy neighborhoods.

According to their website, Santander Bank, N.A. "recognizes that our success as a financial institution is directly linked to the prosperity of the families, businesses and neighborhoods we serve. Recognizing that communities are stronger when we invest in each other . . . we aim to forge strong philanthropic partnerships that strengthen low and moderate income (LMI) and other underserved communities within our footprint."

"We are honored to receive this generous grant from Santander Bank, N.A. and continue the relationship we have been building with them for the past two years," says Chandra Reber, Director of the Center for Women Enterprise's New Hampshire Women's Business Center. "Santander Bank, N.A. shares our passion and commitment to lift up women entrepreneurs and their communities across New Hampshire, recognizing the unique challenges women face on their journey as small business owners. This support will enable us to continue to provide access to cost-free workshops and classes on an array of topics vital to women starting and growing their business."