With funding from the state’s philanthropic sector, Michigan Women Forward (MWF), a CMF member, has launched a program to support women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 crisis.

MWF’s COVID-19 Entrepreneurship Program aims to connect Michigan women entrepreneurs who are facing challenges as a result of the pandemic with experts and contract workers to support their businesses. The program provides entrepreneurs with loans to ensure their businesses can continue operating during this time.

“Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Michigan,” Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of MWF said. “What better way to live out our mission than by finding resources to help women get through this devastating crisis?”

The Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan’s (CFSEM) New Economy Initiative (NEI) spearheaded this immediate relief effort for entrepreneurs in Detroit. The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the William Davidson Foundation made it possible for MWF to shift current grant dollars allocated for other programs to support the Entrepreneurship Assistance Project.

As of April 9, 77 women entrepreneurs have received loan relief dollars from MWF. The organization is still searching for funders to further support the program, particularly in West Michigan.

“It’s a privilege for all of us at MWF to do this work and we are humbled and honored to have thousands of women supporters in our communities who care so much about making sure women thrive and prosper,” Cassin said.

The program has not only provided financial relief to recipients but also a sense of hope and optimism in this difficult time.

“Thank you so much for believing in us,” one loan recipient wrote. “The financial support is so appreciated and needed. However, the emotional boost during such a challenging time is something that I can't even describe.”

Want more?

Learn more about MWF’s COVID-19 Entrepreneur Assistance Project

Jennifer Oertel, CMF’s impact investing expert in residence, is highlighting Michigan Women Forward’s work in her upcoming The A-Z of Impact Investing blog which is set to go live on CMF's website this week.