'The Institute' Selected By SBA To Manage New Women's Business Center In Charlotte, NC

DURHAM, N.C., April 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In March 2016, The Institute was selected by the Office of Women's Business Ownership and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to operate and host a Women's Business Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This award represents the second Women's Business Center program managed by The Institute, which is designed to assist women business owners with training, technical skills and leadership development programs to support business growth at any stage. The Institute is one of six organizations to receive the 5-year award to manage a Women's Business Center.

In partnership with the City of Charlotte, the new Women's Business Center office will be led by Natalie Williams, a Charlotte-based professional with a background in Operations and Supplier Diversity. Williams most recently served as Progressive Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Ingersoll Rand. Williams said, "The Institute has a successful history of hosting a Women's Business Center for North Carolina entrepreneurs, and I'm excited to join the team in Charlotte and continue the legacy of strengthening and expanding business opportunities."

The Institute's existing Women's Business Center—located in Raleigh, NC—is headed by Briles Johnson and was recognized by the SBA to receive the 2014 National Women's Business Center of Excellence award. Johnson said, "Opening an additional Women's Business Center in Charlotte is an endorsement of the impactful work that we've done over the years to support and grow businesses in North Carolina. This award presents a tremendous opportunity to expand our efforts and extend our reach in advancing economic development and growth for women business owners."

The Institute is a nonprofit management consulting firm focused on business diversity, providing customized one-on-one assistance, training and business solutions to create globally competitive companies. For more than 30 years, the Institute has been the voice and advocate for economic development within the minority business community across the state of North Carolina. For more information, visit www.TheInstituteNC.org.

SOURCE The Institute

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http://www.TheInstituteNC.org