MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) received a grant from Truist Foundation to provide business education and training to entrepreneurs on the Space and Treasure coasts.
The $100,000 grant will help support weVENTURE WBC business coaching and education programs for the next three years.
“We are so grateful for the strong support of Truist Foundation and our shared mission to ignite the economic power of entrepreneurs,” said weVENTURE WBC Executive Director Kathryn Rudloff, D.B.A. “For many individuals, entrepreneurship is their pathway to economic mobility, financial stability and career growth opportunities.”
Each year, weVENTURE WBC helps over 750 unique small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs access the training, mentorship and capital they need to grow their businesses. In program year 2024-2025, weVENTURE WBC clients created 66 new jobs, retained 2,136 jobs, and reported earning over $120 million in gross revenue.
These are significant contributions to the local economy, as small business dollars recirculate through the local economy up to four times more than money spent at national chains.
“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that comes to life through investments like this,” said Erich Maschhoff, Central Florida market president for Truist. “weVENTURE is creating meaningful pathways for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed by providing access to education, mentorship and resources. We’re proud that Truist Foundation can help expand this impact across the Space and Treasure coasts.”
