Did you know that the YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural Women’s Organization in the world? Located on the near West side of San Antonio, the YWCA’s Olga Madrid Community Center hosts thriving Economic Empowerment Programs that provide financial literacy and business curriculum to assist entrepreneurs in an underserved community.

One program, named W.I.S.E. (Women Investing in Self Employment), has been helping aspiring small business owners for over 15 years. W.I.S.E. is a cohort of 8 sessions, 2.5 hours each, twice per week and follows a curriculum that introduces business concepts and the most important aspects of business planning and facilitating access to capital. The program also allows local organizations and financial institutions that serve entrepreneurs to present their services, which establishes vital economic partnerships and confidence for the participants to reach their small business goals. Program Director Veronica Sanders states the “UTSA SBDC has been a great collaborator since 2012.” Staff that have given their time to the program include UTSA SBDC Director Richard Sifuentes, Senior Business Advisor Lisha Garcia and Tom Hansis (now retired). Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish.

Currently, UTSA SBDC Business Advisor Hector Ramirez is giving his time to the W.I.S.E. program. Hector joined the UTSA SBDC team in 2019, bringing with him a decade of experience in helping business owners start, grow and succeed. His expertise in productivity tools, financial planning and more have resulted in many happy clients with high praise for Hector’s assistance. Hector’s outreach not only includes organizations on the West side, but he also dedicates his time presenting and advising for Southside First Economic Development Corporation, as well as serving Gillespie, Kerr and Bandera counties.

Hector is a UTSA Alum, receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Hector’s skills and dedication to small business owners has made him a great fit for the UTSA SBDC team and a well-respected innovator in San Antonio’s economic development community.

For more information on the W.I.S.E. program visit: https://www.ywcasa.org/what-were-doing/economic-empowerment-program/

If you are seeking small business advising and would like to contact Hector please call (210) 458-2460 or visit us online at sasbdc.org.