OVERVIEW
The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) designates an organization as a “National Women’s Business Center of Excellence” upon completion of a peer review and evaluation of excellence in service and outcomes for their clients, primarily women who seek to start or grow their businesses. This sought-after designation provides a voluntary opportunity to earn points with the ultimate goal to achieve the “WBC Excellence” designation. Along with the mark, designated organizations may be offered special benefits and/or invited to participate in exclusive events and training to further their development.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the National Women’s Business Center of Excellence Designation is to recognize organizations that demonstrate commitment and efficacy of the mission, vision, and values of their Women’s Business Center thereby achieving the greatest outcomes for women owned businesses.
It is expected that the pursuit and attainment of designation will identify gaps and opportunities for the WBC to improve in a variety of areas, including strategic goal-setting, service delivery, continuous improvement and/or peer relationships. In order to fulfill these objectives, AWBC recognizes the value of the organization’s volunteers, leadership team and funders which is reflected in the involvement of these stakeholders in the final stages of the designation attainment.
PROCESS
Candidates for the designation will apply to AWBC and be assigned peer(s) with similar or same organizational function, by AWBC, upon acceptance to the cohort. Peers will remain matched through the entire journey toward designation attainment. Peers are mutually accountable, will help each other and share materials with one another at each milestone meet-up which is facilitated by a staff member at AWBC.
The designation standards and final review of candidates will be supported by a WBC Excellence Task Force comprised of WBC leaders from the AWBC Board and members of the AWBC at large.
Milestone 1: Orientation to the WBC Excellence Designation, 10 pts
Milestone 2: The Customer Experience, 20 pts
Milestone 3: Impact and Evaluation, 20 pts
Milestone 4: Strategic Plans and Progress Tracking, 20 pts
Milestone 5: Advocating for your WBC, 10 pts
Milestone 6: Excellence and Improvement Plan, 10 pts.
Milestone 6: Closing Ceremony, 10 pts
Eligibility
Must be a member in good standing of the AWBC.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates will submit an application with profile information, and a statement about how they expect to use the designation as well as what they hope to accomplish. The organization will also rate their performance in service delivery before and after the designation.
Link to Participant Tool-Kit:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1o1tebw1fezFJIaK4LwVu17KTZtLZAykW?usp=sharing