Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc.

The Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc (IWEE) was created to address barriers to success. The TEDCO spin out builds on promising statistics for Maryland’s inclusive economy: at 52%, Maryland has the highest rate per capita of women business ownership in the United States. 

Building Resources for Investment, Development, and Growth in Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE) Program

• The BRIDGE Program (Building Resources for Investment, Development, and Growth in Entrepreneurship) is a cohort-based initiative designed to support Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) entrepreneurs by equipping them with the technical knowledge, resources, and personalized guidance necessary to access both debt and equity capital. The program addresses critical gaps in financial literacy, strategic planning, and investor readiness through a structured curriculum that combines expert-led instruction with individualized mentoring, enabling participants to build sustainable and scalable businesses.
• The eight-week program is delivered in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions and the option to join virtually via Zoom. Program components include weekly expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and applied learning activities that reinforce key concepts and support real-world implementation.
• Each week includes:
  • Workshops (3 hours per week): Expert-led sessions focused on core business and capital-readiness topics (e.g., financial statement analysis led by a financial advisor).
  • One-on-One Mentoring (1–2 hours per week): Personalized support from subject-matter experts to refine financial models, pitch decks, and capital strategies.
  • Applied Assignments: Guided exercises that require participants to apply concepts, such as drafting loan applications, strengthening investor materials, or revising financial projections.
• Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete the application form to be considered for participation in the BRIDGE Program. Selected applicants will be notified following the review process and provided with next steps regarding enrollment and program onboarding.

More information about BRIDGE

Help us advance Maryland’s economic development while supporting women entrepreneurs by becoming a sponsor of the impactful program: Sponsor IWEE

Board Members

• Teresa Payne-Nunn, Interim Executive Director
• Arti Santhanam, Chair
• Treava Hopkins-Laboy, Vice Chair
• Erica Anthony, Secretary
• Pamela Allison, Board Member
• Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO (Ex-Officio)
• Ann-Marie Waterman, Board Member 
• Allison Alexander​, Board Member
• Johnetta Boseman Hardy, Board Member
• Farrah Holder, Board Member