CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network said Wednesday it is running a new “Community Navigator Program” which aims to provide support to traditionally underserved small businesses in Wyoming.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing the Wyoming SBDC Network $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds over two years to help provide assistance to rural, women, veteran, micro and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners in the state.
“Through coordinated efforts, the Wyoming CNP provides navigation to no-cost resources in several key areas such as advising to secure funding opportunities, networking, expert advice, training, access to digital production equipment, business and marketing education, and more to Wyoming business owners,” the Wyoming SBDC Network’s press release said. “Offering confidential one-on-one assistance, the program helps Wyoming entrepreneurs bring their passion to life and unleash their full potential.”
Six organizations are partnering with the Wyoming SBDC Network on the Community Navigator Program:
- Wyoming Smart Capital Network
- University of Wyoming Extension
- Wyoming Women’s Business Center
- The Local Crowd
- Wyoming Library to Business
- Wind River Development Fund
“This federally-funded program provides a unique opportunity for us to connect traditionally underserved business owners to the greater Wyoming entrepreneurial support network,” said Nicholas Giraldo, program manager. “Not only can we navigate them to resources to help their businesses succeed but also navigate them through barriers so they can start, grow, and expand their businesses or help them recover.“
The program doesn’t directly provide funding to small businesses, but can help them find funding, according to Giraldo.
“Learn how to access resources to start or grow your small business at www.wyomingcommunitynavigator.org,” the press release said.
