Tampa Bay WBC March 2026 eNewsletter

Hosted by The Helen Gordon Centre for Women

DIRECTOR’S CORNER (MARCH)

As I reflect on the start of this new chapter, I am incredibly grateful and excited to be serving as the Director of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre. From day one, I have been inspired by the extraordinary team, partners, and entrepreneurs who share a common mission: to give back, uplift entrepreneurs, and strengthen our local business community. It is truly an honor to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals who are deeply committed to helping individuals start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

My background, I am an entrepreneur, educator, and organizational leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning business development, leadership training, workforce education, and federal and nonprofit program management. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for translating skills into opportunity particularly for individuals, veterans, and working adults. That mission aligns seamlessly with the work of the Women’s Business Centre, and I am energized by the impact we continue to make across our region.

Looking ahead, one of our key goals for 2026 is the launch of our Growth & Momentum Series, featuring 15 upcoming webinars designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. These sessions will focus on scalable systems, financial readiness, leadership development, operations, and sustainable growth providing practical, actionable guidance that women can immediately apply to their businesses. This series builds upon our commitment to continuous learning and long-term success for the entrepreneurs we serve.

The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre proudly supports entrepreneurs across six counties—Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, and Hernando—a region home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses. Estimates show that women own approximately 40% of businesses in the Tampa Bay area, representing a powerful and growing economic force. Through one-on-one counseling, training, and community partnerships, we remain committed to expanding access, increasing opportunity, and helping entrepreneurs thrive across our entire service area.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this important work together.

Have a terrific March All!

Dr. Kimberly Rankin

Program Director, Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre

Celebrating Women’s History Month:

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of the women who move our community forward. At The Centre, we honor every woman who dares to dream, to lead, and to build a future with purpose. We recognize the extraordinary contributions of entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries who turn challenges into opportunities and create a lasting impact in Tampa Bay and beyond. We remain committed to supporting, educating, and empowering women at every stage of their business journey, because when a woman rises, the entire community thrives.

FEBRUARY SEMINAR HIGHLIGHT:

We were thrilled with the strong turnout at our February face-to-face seminar held at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC). Guest speakers Holly McFall and Melissa Jeda of Securemark Legal delivered an engaging and informative session on the importance of trademarks and copyright protection in business. We had so much positive feedback on this session, we plan to hold another session again in the near future. www.securemarklegal.com

$10,000 GRANT FOR GROWTH-STAGE BUSINESSES

Opportunity Alert:

The Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator

is now accepting applications!

This 8-week virtual program, led by national nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, is designed for established small business owners who are ready to strengthen operations, enhance digital systems, and prepare for their next stage of growth.

• Expert business guidance
• Peer learning & support
• $10,000 grant awarded upon completion!

This is an amazing opportunity for women entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18

Apply Now

Questions? Reach out to Brittney Richardson at brichardson@aofund.org

Let’s help women-owned businesses thrive in 2026 and beyond!

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

Apply Now: Technical Assistance $1,000 Grant Program for Tampa Entrepreneurs

The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre, in partnership with the City of Tampa, is excited to announce the launch of the Technical Assistance Grant Program—a unique opportunity designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen the foundation of their business.

Through this program, eligible participants will receive:

• 20 hours of one-on-one business coaching (new clients will be matched with a coach)
• Customized support to help you launch, grow, or pivot your business
• Convenient virtual coaching sessions via Zoom or Google Meet
• A $1,000 grant upon completion of the program

Who is eligible?

• Aspiring or current entrepreneurs who live in or operate a business within the City of Tampa
• Microenterprises with 5 or fewer employees
• Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Both current WBC clients and new clients may apply
• Applicants must complete a Self-Certification form to verify eligibility

Limited Availability

Only 30 grants are available, and awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t wait—secure your spot today! Click HERE to apply.

STARTUP ACADEMY:

The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre Startup Academy is an 8-week co-hort program helping entrepreneurs with a solid foundation for your business from ideation through the completion of your business plan. Our trainings will take place via webinars with an in-person Kickoff Event in the beginning and a Pitch Night/Graduation at the end.

Startup Academy Class at the January Kickoff Event

MARCH HAPPENINGS:

FREE WEBINARS:

Friday,

March 13, 2026

12-2pm

Webinar:

Growth & Momentum Series: From Business Plan to Action Plan

Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Join our online Growth and Momentum Series where we help you transform your business plan into a practical, actionable roadmap. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to kickstart progress and build momentum. Don’t miss out on expert tips, interactive sessions, and a supportive community to keep you moving forward. Let’s get your plan into action! Join Us online for this informative webinar.

Presenter:

Dr. Kimberly Rankin, Director, Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre; CEO and Founder Civilian Success Pathways; Success Strategist

Tuesday,

March 24, 2026

1-2pm

Webinar:

QuickBooks Online Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide

Learn the basics of QuickBooks Online so you can organize your finances, track income and expenses, and feel confident managing your books.

In this beginner-friendly webinar, you’ll learn how to navigate QuickBooks Online with confidence with no accounting degree required. We’ll walk through the core features you need to get started, including how to set up your company, connect bank accounts, categorize transactions, generate financial reports, and avoid the most common bookkeeping mistakes business owners make.

Presenter:

Rolanda S. McDuffie, CPA

Nonprofit CPA • Advisor • Speaker

Founder, R.S. McDuffie CPA & Associates

Thursday,

March 26, 2026

12-1pm

Webinar:

Growth & Momentum Series: Systems That Scale

Join us online for the Growth and Momentum Series featuring Systems that Scale! Dive into strategies and tools designed to help your business grow smarter and faster. Whether you’re a startup or scaling up, this event is packed with insights to keep your momentum rolling.

Don’t miss out on practical tips, real-world examples, and the chance to connect with like-minded folks—all from the comfort of your screen!

Presenter:

Dr. Kimberly Rankin, Director, Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre; CEO and Founder Civilian Success Pathways; Success Strategist

Thursday,

April 9, 2026

3-4pm

Webinar:

Growth & Momentum Series: Building Predictable Revenue

Join us online for an exciting session in the Growth & Momentum Series where we dive into strategies for building predictable revenue. Whether you’re a startup or scaling up, learn practical tips and insights to keep your growth steady and unstoppable. Don’t miss out on this chance to boost your business momentum from the comfort of your home!

Presenter:

Dr. Kimberly Rankin, Director, Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre; CEO and Founder Civilian Success Pathways; Success Strategist

Thursday,

April 23, 2026

1-2pm

Webinar:

Growth and Momentum Series: Sales Strategy Without Burnout

Ready to boost your sales game without burning out? This online event is all about smart strategies that keep your energy up while driving results. Connect, learn, and grow with us in a chill, no-pressure setting. Don’t miss out on tips that actually work and can help you sustain momentum!

Presenter:

Dr. Kimberly Rankin, Director, Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre; CEO and Founder Civilian Success Pathways; Success Strategist

Thursday,

April 30, 2026

12-1pm

Webinar:

Overview of SBA Programs & Services

Join us online for a friendly and informative session all about the Small Business Association! Discover how we can support your business with resources, advice, and tools tailored just for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this overview will give you the inside scoop on how to make the most of what SBA offers. Don’t miss out on learning how we can help your small business thrive!

Presenter:

Dieulanie Claude, Outreach and Marketing Specialist with the South Florida District Office U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Look for Future Webinars

Stay tuned for additional webinars and educational events. Upcoming opportunities will be shared via Eventbrite and in future newsletters. We currently have 15 seminars slated through December. Check out our website and Eventbrite for future events.

CALLING ALL SPEAKERS

ESPAÑOL

Celebrando el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer

En este Mes de la Historia de la Mujer, celebramos la fortaleza, la resiliencia y el espíritu emprendedor de las mujeres que impulsan nuestra comunidad hacia adelante. En El Centro Empresarial para la Mujer, honramos a cada mujer que se atreve a soñar, a liderar y a construir un futuro con propósito. Reconocemos las contribuciones extraordinarias de las empresarias, líderes y visionarias que transforman desafíos en oportunidades y crean un impacto duradero en Tampa Bay y más allá. Seguimos comprometidos a apoyar, educar y empoderar a las mujeres en cada etapa de su camino empresarial, porque cuando una mujer avanza, toda la comunidad prospera.

GIVE BACK AND DONATE TODAY!

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Contact:

The Tampa Bay

Women’s Business Centre

305 S. Hyde Park Ave.

Tampa, FL 33606

813-251-8437

tbwbc@thecentre.org

www.thetampabaywbc.org

Stay connected with Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre

by following us on social media.