11 May 2026 Women’s Foundation of Arkansas opens applications for WEM Hub

Posted at 7:51 PMh in News by

LITTLE ROCK — The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) has opened applications for the seventh cohort of its Women’s Economic Mobility Hub (WEM Hub), a signature six-month program designed to support underserved women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship and technical support resources. Applications can be submitted online at https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/ through June 8th.

The WEM Hub is designed to support women-owned businesses by providing entrepreneurial support along with additional resources, including capital. The program combines virtual training and in-person sessions by offering:

  • $5,000 in unrestricted grant funding
  • Expert advice in accounting, financial management, business development and legal services
  • Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning
  • Communications, marketing and leadership development training
  • Relationship-building with financial institutions

This year, the program is expanding to serve 15 participants statewide, including five additional spots dedicated to the Northwest Arkansas region, while maintaining a strong focus on women in underserved communities, with a specific focus in the Arkansas Delta. Also new this year, each selected WEM Hub participant will be paired with a business mentor to support their business goals, provide more personalized support and expand networking opportunities.

“The women who participate in WEM Hub are building the future of Arkansas’ economy and communities,” said Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. “We are proud to extend this opportunity to women who face real barriers to business growth. Our commitment is to meet women where they are and provide the key tools that help today’s entrepreneurs thrive.”

Applications are open to underserved Arkansas women business owners who meet select criteria including having been in business for at least one year.

“Since completing the WEM Hub program, I have grown from founder to CEO, created additional streams of income in my business, hired 10 people, obtained capital and moved to a 10,000 sq ft building from 800 sq ft.,” said program alumni, LaQuita Norris.

Sponsors supporting this year’s WEM Hub program include the Walton Family Foundation, U.S. Bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, Heart of Arkansas United Way, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation and Bank of Little Rock.

For more information or to apply for the 2026 WEM Hub cohort, visit https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/.