January 8, 2026

Charleston Program Fuels Women Entrepreneurs

Charleston, January 8, 2026

The YWCA Greater Charleston is reopening enrollment for its WE 360° program, designed to empower women entrepreneurs in the Lowcountry. This initiative aims to provide skill development, mentorship, and networking opportunities crucial for business success. By focusing on women, particularly women of color, the program tackles historical disparities and strengthens the local economy. Enrollment for the upcoming Winter session has opened, inviting aspiring business owners to take advantage of this unique opportunity for growth in Charleston.

Charleston Program Fuels Women Entrepreneurs

The YWCA Greater Charleston is once again opening enrollment for its acclaimed business training course, WE 360°, offering a vital pathway for aspiring and current women entrepreneurs in the Lowcountry to hone their skills and expand their ventures. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering entrepreneurial innovation and resilience within the local economy, providing foundational tools and mentorship crucial for success in today’s dynamic marketplace.

In a region where small businesses form the backbone of economic prosperity, programs like WE 360° are instrumental in cultivating personal achievement and contributing to broader economic growth. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business, the YWCA Greater Charleston directly supports the independent spirit that drives much of Charleston County’s vibrant commercial landscape. Such efforts demonstrate the power of community-led initiatives in creating opportunities and empowering individuals to take control of their economic futures.

Empowering Local Enterprise Through Education

The WE 360° program, which stands for Women’s Empowerment 360 Degrees, is a multi-week workshop series meticulously designed to help women overcome barriers in entrepreneurship. It provides participants with essential tools to either launch a new business, grow an existing one, or ensure its long-term sustainability. This focus on practical, actionable knowledge serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, directly impacting the Charleston SC business community. The course is offered at no charge to participants, often made possible through scholarships from generous individual and corporate donors.

The curriculum of WE 360° covers a comprehensive range of topics vital for business development. Participants gain insights into crafting robust business plans, understanding tax implications, and strategically analyzing market competition. The program emphasizes transitioning a conceptual idea or hobby into a professionally managed, profitable business, fostering a mindset of strategic planning and organizational clarity. This structured approach is fundamental for anyone looking to make a significant impact with their Charleston small business.

Cultivating Resilience and Networks

A significant aspect of the WE 360° program is its ability to build confidence and establish a supportive network among participants. Entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, and the opportunity to share experiences, successes, and even failures in a “safe zone” is invaluable for personal and professional growth. This peer-to-peer learning environment strengthens individual resolve and contributes to a more interconnected and resilient South Carolina entrepreneurs community. The program limits class sizes to ten women to facilitate personal attention and high-quality interaction, ensuring each participant receives tailored support.

Beyond local support, YWCA Greater Charleston further bolsters participants by partnering with YWCA USA and Ureeka, an online business community. This partnership offers an additional, free “Business Essentials” course, which is a self-guided resource designed to help entrepreneurs at any stage. This supplementary program also grants access to a national network of professional coaches, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, expanding the reach and resources available to Lowcountry economic growth contributors.

A Track Record of Achievement

The effectiveness of the WE 360° program is evident in the tangible successes of its graduates. Numerous participants have lauded the program for significantly boosting their business efforts, leading to critical developments such as successful business re-branding and the establishment of physical retail locations. These individual achievements underscore the program’s practical value and its role in translating ambition into concrete business growth within Charleston County’s economy. These stories of personal achievement serve as powerful motivators and examples of what dedicated training and support can accomplish.

Historically, the WE 360° program has been met with enthusiastic demand, consistently selling out rapidly and generating extensive waiting lists. For those looking to enroll, registration for the upcoming Winter 2026 session, running from February 9 to March 5, opened on January 5, 2026. Another Spring 2026 session is scheduled from April 20 to May 14. These consistent offerings highlight the ongoing need for such entrepreneurial training and the YWCA Greater Charleston’s commitment to meeting that demand.

Fostering Economic Vitality in the Lowcountry

The YWCA Greater Charleston’s mission extends beyond individual empowerment, aiming to eliminate racism and empower women across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. By specifically focusing on women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color, the WE 360° program addresses historical disparities and seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape. This targeted support for diverse entrepreneurs not only unlocks individual potential but also strengthens the overall fabric of the Charleston County economy, driving innovation and job creation from within the community.

The ripple effect of robust small businesses is profound for local economies. Successful entrepreneurs create jobs, stimulate local commerce, and often invest back into their communities, contributing to a virtuous cycle of prosperity. Programs that streamline the path to business ownership, like WE 360°, exemplify a community-driven approach to fostering economic vitality, aligning with the benefits often associated with reduced bureaucratic hurdles and an environment that champions self-starters.

Conclusion

The YWCA Greater Charleston’s WE 360° business training course represents a powerful investment in the future of the Lowcountry’s economy and its residents. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program champions entrepreneurial spirit and personal achievement, laying a strong foundation for new and growing Charleston small businesses. As enrollment opens for upcoming sessions, it offers a prime opportunity for individuals to transform their business aspirations into reality and contribute to the region’s continued economic growth. We encourage all aspiring and current Charleston SC business owners to explore this valuable resource. Engaging with and supporting such local initiatives is crucial for strengthening our community and ensuring a thriving economic future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YWCA Greater Charleston’s WE 360° program?: The WE 360° program is a multi-week workshop series designed to help women overcome barriers in entrepreneurship and provide them with tools to start, grow, or sustain their businesses.
Who is the WE 360° program for?: The program is primarily for women entrepreneurs of color but is also open to aspiring or budding entrepreneurs, main street and “mom & pop” businesses, part-timers, small businesses, job creators, and full-time employees looking to start their own business.
What topics does the WE 360° course cover?: The course provides knowledge, tools, and confidence, covering aspects like business planning, taxes, considering competition, strategic thinking, and moving from a hobby to a profitable business.
Is there a cost to participate in the WE 360° program?: No, the program is offered at no charge to participants, often due to scholarships provided by individual and corporate donors.
How long is the WE 360° program?: The program is a multi-week workshop series, with previous instances being four-week or eight-week series.
When are the next enrollment dates for WE 360° in 2026?: For 2026, the Winter session runs from February 9 to March 5 (registration opened on January 5, 2026), and the Spring session is scheduled from April 20 to May 14.
Does the YWCA Greater Charleston’s program offer networking opportunities?: Yes, participants often form a supportive network among themselves, and the program also offers access to a national network of professional coaches, mentors, and entrepreneurs through a partnership with YWCA USA and Ureeka.

Key Features of YWCA Greater Charleston’s WE 360° Program

Feature	Description	Scope
Program Name	WE 360° (Women’s Empowerment 360 Degrees)	Local
Target Audience	Women entrepreneurs of color, aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, job creators.	Local
Course Cost	No charge to participants (scholarship-supported).	Local
Curriculum Focus	Business planning, taxes, competition analysis, strategic thinking, business growth.	Local
Program Format	Multi-week virtual workshop series, limited to 10 women per series.	Local
Networking & Support	Supportive peer network, access to local coaches, and a national network of coaches/mentors via YWCA USA/Ureeka partnership.	Local / Nationwide
2026 Winter Session Dates	February 9 – March 5 (registration opened January 5, 2026).	Local
2026 Spring Session Dates	April 20 – May 14.	Local