SERVING 24
COUNTIES OF
WESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA.
The counties in our service area are: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.
Our Impact
Since 2014, the Western Women’s Business Center has served as a catalyst for the success of women entrepreneurs in the mountain region.
We are proud to have supported thousands of businesses in Western North Carolina.
The WWBC meets the needs of women entrepreneurs through one-on-one business coaching, workshops, and access to capital. Our team of experts offer support on a range of topics small businesses need to start and grow.
We are a program of Carolina Small Business Development Fund, a statewide nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to foster economic development in the state of North Carolina.
154
Jobs created and retained
31
Businesses started
83
clients accessed
$5.5
million
in capital
750
One-on-one coaching clients
2,250
Clients attending training and events
Our team brings a high level of expertise, professionalism, and engagement with entrepreneurs across the region. Our knowledge and passion is reflected in all of the services we offer.
Our Team
Zurilma Anuel*
Director
Zurilma Anuel serves as Director of the Western Women's Business Center. In that role she oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the center, which seeks to promote entrepreneurship in the western region of North Carolina. She was previously Director of CSBDF's Latino Program. Prior her career at CSBDF, Zuri was Latino Program coordinator for Mountain BizWorks and worked for over a decade as a personal banker at Wells Fargo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial and Financial Administration from the Central University of Caracas and certificates in economic development finance and business credit analysis.
*Hablo Español
Laura Ford
Client Intake Specialist
Laura Ford serves as a Client Intake Specialist at the Western Women’s Business Center, a program of Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF). Laura is the first point of contact for our community partners and small business clients. Her responsibilities include business coaching, coordinating / facilitating workshops, networking, grant writing, compliance reporting and overall client portfolio support. Prior to joining CSBDF, Laura worked as the Executive Assistant for the Motion Picture & Television Writers Pension and Health Fund in Burbank, CA and held several positions as a sales/project manager for various companies within the construction industry including Ron Moser Homes, Inc. During this time, she worked closely with the City of Asheville to secure low interest loan opportunities for the construction of low-income affordable housing. Laura holds a Legal Assistant Certification for CEI College in Los Angeles, CA.
Vanesa Garcia
Marketing Consultant
Vanesa Garcia serves as the Marketing Consultant. In this role, she provides program and client support to the Western Women’s Business Center. Her responsibilities include developing marketing materials and messaging for WWBC's services, trainings, and special events. Vanesa started her career with CSBDF as the Latino Program Intern. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in corporate accounting and financial analysis at Johnson & Wales University.
*Hablo Español
Our Supporters
Thank you so much to the generous funders of the Western Women’s Business Center who make our work possible.
Our Services
Our services are open to all entrepreneurs in the 24 counties of Western North Carolina.
