Sternbach is the executive director of Rockville Economics Development Inc., which earlier this year began the Rockville Women’s Business Center to provide services to would-be entrepreneurs. What will the WBC provide women in the area?
It will certainly provide a place to go for women to start a business and to help their business grow. We create an environment that is more comfortable and sensitive to women’s needs. We want to reach the new Americans and help them understand how to translate their skills from their native country to this country. However, we also serve men who are interested in our programs.
Why was the WBC created?
All of this was preceded by a feasibility study funded by CitiBank/Citi Foundation. We wanted to ensure there was a population of women who were underserved. We also saw that there were gaps in services. Many of the services provided didn’t target the pre-startup or startup phase of business. There were very few consistent services that were available and affordable. Lastly, we wanted to make sure the WBC would be sustainable. My intent is to see this established so it has a future.
How will this program create jobs?
The expectation is as women start businesses and as their businesses grow, jobs will be created. The engine of job creation in this country is small business.
What effect will the WBC have on Rockville?
It will add to the branding of Rockville as a place for entrepreneurs. We recognized a long time ago that Rockville had the raw materials for business startups. There are few entry barriers, good SBA lenders and a huge academic community.
How can women get started?
The easiest entry point is the Web site (www.rockvillewbc.org). There anyone can register for seminars or contact us.
Kristen Byrne
