Maryland Women's Business Center Shines as a Beacon of Excellence for Women Entrepreneurs in 2026

Maryland Women's Business Center Recognized for Excellence

On January 9, 2026, the Maryland Women's Business Center (MWBC) celebrated a significant milestone by being recognized as a graduate of the prestigious National WBC of Excellence program. This accolade, awarded by the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC), marks MWBC's second consecutive year in this esteemed cohort. The designation is not merely a badge of honor; it symbolizes a commitment to excellence in serving women-owned businesses and fostering their success.

The core mission of the National Women's Business Center of Excellence designation is to identify organizations that embody the values of sustainability, efficacy, and empowerment within their operations. In doing so, these centers achieve remarkable outcomes for the women entrepreneurs they support. Klassi Duncan, the AWBC Board Chair and Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana, expressed her pride in the achievements of the 2026 graduates, stating, "Their dedication shines through in every aspect of their operations!" This recognition highlights the essential role that these centers play in uplifting and accelerating the ventures of women-owned businesses across the nation.

To earn this prestigious title, MWBC participated in a rigorous journey that entailed completing six milestone assignments. These assignments facilitated partnerships with peers in the cohort, aiming to identify areas for growth and enhancement. Focus areas included strategic goal-setting, service delivery improvements, and fostering peer relationships. The AWBC emphasized the pivotal role of volunteers, leadership teams, and funders in this journey, with their active involvement reflecting the center's collaborative spirit and commitment to continual improvement.

Karen Sippel, Managing Director of MWBC, highlighted the organization's ongoing evolution to meet the ever-changing needs of entrepreneurs. "By embracing best practices and ensuring our designation as a WBC of Excellence, we're able to deepen the impact we have on our clients. This work directly translates to enhanced outcomes for the business owners we support," she noted. MWBC’s dedication to excellence allows it to provide more effective services to its clients, ultimately aiding them in their pursuits of entrepreneurial success.

The culmination of MWBC's dedication to excellence was celebrated during the graduation and closing ceremony held on December 12, 2025. This event not only recognized the achievements of MWBC but also served as a reminder of the valuable resources and programs it offers to aspiring entrepreneurs. For more information about the range of services MWBC provides, one can visit their official website at marylandwbc.org.

In summary, the Maryland Women's Business Center stands as a beacon of support and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in the Capital Region of Maryland. As a signature program of Rockville Economic Development, Inc., MWBC plays a vital role in helping small business owners embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, sustain their ventures, and achieve growth. By offering workshops, one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, and access to capital, MWBC serves over 1,500 entrepreneurs annually, providing them with the essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in business.

About the Association of Women’s Business Centers

The Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1998. It is dedicated to supporting the national network of Women's Business Centers, advocating for programming that creates opportunities for women. With over 152 centers across the United States and Puerto Rico, the AWBC promotes educational training, business advancement, and financial opportunities for women entrepreneurs, helping over 150,000 women and small businesses each year. For further information about the AWBC, visit their website at www.awbc.org.