What is the WBC standard?
The creation of the WBC standard is aimed at supporting and driving the growth of women's enterprise internationally. Whether women are embarking on or returning to entrepreneurial roles, the Approved Women's Business Centre mark is a clear symbol that an organisation will provide the support, guidance and confidence they may require.
The WBC standard identifies the essential characteristics of a Women's Business Centre and it aims to engage with organisations that provide business support services to women to help them develop and be known as a Women's Business Centre. It provides a generic framework for all organisations that support women, regardless of their specific focus.
Benefits of becoming a WBC in the North West
The Northwest Regional Development Agency is funding the pilot of the WBC model in the North West of England, where up to 30 organisations will be assessed against the WBC Quality Standard. As a pilot region of the National Enterprise Strategy, the NWDA recognises the importance and potential of WBCs across the region and the introduction of WBCs will form part of the region's natural progression. Becoming an Approved Women's Business Centre provides:
- An organisational development tool against which you can measure, benchmark and improve services for women
- A mark of excellence and quality to reassure clients and market services
- Public recognition for real achievement against a rigorous standard
- Women's Business Centres in the Northwest will provide women with easy to access advice and support to build their confidence, skills and knowledge in a supportive environment
How does it differ from Prowess Flagship?
The WBC standard is designed to complement the existing portfolio of Prowess Flagship quality standards.
- The WBC standard is an international standard for women's enterprise development.
- The WBC standard emphasises support through the lifecycle of women's businesses/social enterprises
- The WBC standard is aimed at organisations who wish to specifically target women's enterprise
