The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance has been recognized as the 2022 Women’s Business Center of the Year in Michigan by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award will be presented on May 3 at the 18th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala. Cornerstone says a local celebration will be held at its office on May 5 at noon with SBA representatives. The WBC has helped launch 235 businesses in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties since 2004, including 59 businesses in Benton Harbor. Cornerstone Alliance says it’s also been key in the recovery process during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the WBC helped launch 19 new small businesses, supported 192 jobs, and helped clients secure investments of $5.5 million in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland says the organization is “grateful for this recognition, but without the commitment, drive, and tenacity of Southwest Michigan entrepreneurs, this award would not be possible.”
