Empowering Entrepreneurs to Launch, Grow, and Lead.
At the Miles College Women's Business Center, we are dedicated to strengthening local economies by increasing access to entrepreneurship, capital readiness, and business education. Our mission is to help aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow profitable, sustainable, and scalable businesses in Alabama. Our vision is to create opportunities in business that empower people and last for generations.
Our Mission
Dedicated to Women’s Success
Women’s Business Centers across the country play a critical role in strengthening local economies by increasing access to entrepreneurship, capital readiness, and business education. In 1988, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) established the Women’s Business Center Program to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to success.
As part of this national network established in 2022, the Miles College Women’s Business Center (MCWBC) provides free and low-cost business training, counseling, and access to capital resources to help entrepreneurs launch and grow strong businesses that fuel local economic growth. We are an entrepreneurship hub driving measurable economic impact in Alabama.
Our goals are to:
• Create access to capital
• Promote business sustainability
• Increase capacity for federal government contracting
• Support job creation within Jefferson County and beyond
Our
Impact
The MCWBC supports entrepreneurs at every stage — from idea to launch to scale — with practical training, expert advising, and tailored support that builds confidence and business readiness. We offer a dynamic mix of monthly workshops, cohort-based programs like Elevate360, and confidential one-on-one business counseling — all designed to strengthen your business knowledge, strategy, and readiness for growth.
Our programs are designed not only to inspire entrepreneurs — but to produce measurable outcomes. Each year, we measure our success through client service and economic impact metrics, including:
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Businesses launched
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Capital accessed
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Jobs created and retained
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Counseling hours delivered
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Training participation
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Contracting wins
Our commitment to accountability ensures that every program we deliver translates into measurable economic growth within our community.
Meet the Team
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How May We Assist You?
SERVICES
One-on-One Business Counseling
Confidential, no-cost business counseling tailored to your stage of business. Meet with a dedicated advisor to discuss strategy, financial planning, operations, capital readiness, and business development.
Monthly Workshop Trainings
Join us for monthly business development workshops facilitated by experienced instructors. Sessions are offered during daytime and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
Topics Include:
• Business Model Canvas
• Business Planning
• Financial Analysis & Cash Flow Planning
• Federal Government Contracting
• Capital Readiness & Funding Preparation
Access to Capital Readiness
Assistance in preparing for funding opportunities.
Networking & Support
Community connections that expand opportunity and collaboration.
132
Women Served
146
Business Development Counseling Sessions Delivered
117
In-Person Training Events
$204K
Business Financing Acquired
$1.8M
Total Sales Revenue Generated
Calendar of Events
Programs
Elevate360 Business Readiness Program
A structured, six-month entrepreneurship training experience designed to support micro and emerging businesses through long-term instruction, mentorship, and applied business development planning.
Participants receive:
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Weekly coaching
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Cohort-based accountability
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Financial readiness training
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Capital preparation support
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Pitch Fest capstone experience
Always-On Programming
MCWBC maintains consistent access to monthly workshops and one-on-one counseling services year-round to ensure entrepreneurs can receive support when they need it most.
Partners & Sponsors
MCWBC collaborates with financial institutions, foundations, community organizations, and corporate partners to expand access to entrepreneurship resources. Through public-private collaboration, MCWBC strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem and expands opportunity throughout Jefferson County and beyond.
Ways to Partner with MCWBC:
• Sponsor workshops, conferences, or cohort programs
• Provide subject matter expertise or volunteer coaching
• Refer entrepreneurs and small business clients
• Support capital readiness and funding initiatives
For partnerships with us, please email our Director, Talibah Bayles at director@mcwbc.org
Annual Conference & Signature Events
In addition to monthly workshops and cohort programming, MCWBC hosts signature events that elevate entrepreneurial visibility and strengthen community partnerships.
Signature initiatives include:
Annual Women’s Business Conference
These events create platforms for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, connect with lenders and partners, and build meaningful relationships that support long-term growth.
Funding Disclosure
In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328:
The Miles College Women’s Business Center is partially funded by the SBA. The SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328: Miles College Women's Business Center Funding Disclosure: Federal Share: 50% – $150,000 Non-Federal Share: 50% – $150,000 Total Program Cost: $300,000
4901 Lloyd Noland Parkway
Fairfield, AL 35064
Phone: (205) 202-0118
Email: hello@mcwbc.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays by appointment only
Reasonable accommodations for persons with limited English abilities and/or disabilities will be made upon request with at least two weeks’ notice.
