A woman's work is never done; AWED offers counseling, training and more - American Woman's Economic Development Corp.'s services

Black Enterprise, August, 1994 by Rhonda Reynolds

Looking for expert support and guidance from enterprising sisters who were once in your shoes? The American Woman's Economic Development Corp. (AWED) helps outfit thousands to be profitable business owners.

Founded in 1976, AWED is a private, nonprofit organization with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Stamford, Conn. and Washington, D.C. Members range from former corporate executives to lower-income women trying to start or expand a business.

AWED offers a 26-session business development, management and planning course for women who own a full-time firm that's at least a year old, or a part-time venture that generates roughly $50,000 or more annually.

For those who need occasional crisis-counseling, AWED provides a toll-free number. Counselors also hold frequent phone conversations with those who can't make it to any AWED offices.

When it comes to women of color, AWED is especially working to foster stronger relationships. "By bolstering peer group support, our women can acquire higher levels of success," boasts AWED director of training, Tina Lassiter.

Yolanda Davis attests to that. Revenues doubled in one year at her Los Angeles-based multimedia design and communications firm, WestWork. Says Davis: "People in the arts are at a particular loss when it comes to business-management skills. AWED is helping me prosper by catering to business needs [in such areas as accounting, budgeting and marketing]."

All of WestWork's clients come from referrals and direct contacts, notes Davis, who wholeheartedly credits AWED for enabling her to keep her shingle.

For more information about AWED in Los Angeles, call 310-983-3747; in Washington, D.C., 202-857-0091; in Stamford, Conn., 203-326-7914; and in New York City, 212-692-9100.

FOR WOMEN ONLY

Thinking about starting a business? After you have penned your business plan and finessed the financing, you can sign up with some successful sister. A few business sorors:

* Marilyn French Hubbard, president National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs in Detroit. NABWE offers a sound network of business owners who want to share experiences and skills to expand group's business opportunities. Member $55 a year Call 313-559-9255.

* Dolores Rateliffe, president, Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs. ABWE assists start-ups and existing business owners with guidance and a vast array of contracts. Membership is $56 a year. Call 213-624-8639.