On Tuesday, February 21st, eleven (11) women business owners began their 5-week Financial Wellness Challenge funded by The Capital Readiness Program operated by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC) in partnership with Old Dominion University’s Women’s Business Center. The program was launched in the board room of The Mustard Seed Place purchased by Dr. Angela Reddix, President & CEO of ARDX in December with the specific intent of empowering the lives of women business owners. Erika Small-Cisco, Director, Old Dominion University Women Business Center & Sonya Bigelow-Smith, Director, Capital Readiness Program shared remarks celebrating the collaboration while encouraging the group to take full advantage of all the financial tools, guidance and resources.

Each week participants will focus a variety of topics related to Creating Healthy Financial Habits such as; creating a financial roadmap and protecting your finances as they continue their entrepreneurial journey. All of the participants will have the opportunity to build a broader network and connect with local capital resources through the Capital Readiness ecosystem. The program will conclude with a graduation in March. The Spring cohort will open in April 2024.