WBC Richmond Open For Business
On March 18, 2021, the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, in partnership with Virginia Union University, opened the doors of the Women's Business Center of Richmond.
The WBC Richmond provides one-on-one counseling, training, technical assistance, networking, and resources vital to the success of women entrepreneurs in the Richmond area. Services that are desperately needed as female entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses struggle to recover during an economic downturn and worldwide pandemic.


Follow WBC Richmond
Contact WBC Richmond
The Women's Business Center Richmond
Virginia Union University
1500 N. Lombardy Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 525-9499
WBC-Richmond@TheInstituteNC.org
Hours of Operation
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
* Alternative hours available via appointment
MISSION
Expand the economic impact and footprint of aspiring, existing and growing economically disadvantaged women-owned businesses by delivering the most comprehensive portfolio of small business development services and resources.
VISION
We seek to become a leader in the Greater Richmond business community promoting economic opportunities and equitable participation for Richmond’s most diverse communities.
SERVICES
The WBC Richmond provides services for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking operational, financial, and marketing assistance for their business.
COUNSELING
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- Entrepreneurial Assistance
- Marketing and Branding
- Intellectual Property Protection
CONNECTING
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- Network-building events
- Social Integration activities
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion events
CAPITALIZING
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- Credit Profile Assessment
- Loan Readiness & Preparation
- Financial Sustainability
Get Involved With WBC Richmond
WBC Richmond Staff

Shara Gibson
Program Director
sgibson@theinstitutenc.org
Shara is an accomplished economic development professional with a decade of experience designing and executing small business development programs, optimizing commercial space usage, fostering strategic partnerships, and implementing outreach strategies for small and minority-owned enterprises. She has also established programs that help businesses navigate local, state, and federal government contracting and resources.
As a true entrepreneur at heart, Shara founded Caniventures, a consulting firm that assists new cannabis entrepreneurs, and SG Consulting, where she offers grant writing and project management services. Throughout her career, Shara has impacted over 4,000 entrepreneurs in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area and secured over $2.1 million in new funding. Her most notable program, CEO Growth Academy, saw its inaugural cohort collectively acquire $14.2 million in contracts while participating in the program. Additionally, Shara conducts workshops for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in collaboration with local community development organizations.
Shara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hampton University and obtained her MBA from Howard University. She currently serves as Program Director for the Women’s Business Center of Richmond and is a member of the young professional BRIDGE Board at the Metropolitan Business League. In her free time, she enjoys attending local festivals and exploring Richmond's picturesque sites.
WIN Advisory Council Members
The Women's Business Center of Richmond is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.