Programming supporting women founders throughout the region
COLUMBIA, Md., (March 25, 2026) – The Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc. (IWEE), a TEDCO affiliate, Maryland non-profit dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs across the state, announces the launch of its first cohorts of the Business Resource Information, Development, and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) Program—a TEDCO initiative equipping entrepreneurs with the technical knowledge, resources, and personalized guidance necessary to access both debt and equity capital.
IWEE’s inaugural BRIDGE cohort will be hosted at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and will bring together a dynamic group of women entrepreneurs committed to growing and scaling their businesses. The eight-week program will run from March 23, 2026, through May 11, 2026, concluding with a pitching presentation from participating founders.
“The launch of the BRIDGE Program represents a critical step forward in addressing the systemic barriers women entrepreneurs face in accessing capital,” said Teresa Payne-Nunn, interim executive director of IWEE. “Through this initiative, we are not only providing knowledge and resources, but we are building a supportive ecosystem that empowers women to scale sustainable, high-growth businesses.”
The BRIDGE Program is designed to address key gaps in financial literacy, strategic planning, and investor readiness. Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that blends expert-led instruction with individualized mentoring to support long-term business success. Each week of the program includes:
• Workshops (3 hours/week): Expert-led sessions covering essential business and capital-readiness topics, including financial statement analysis and funding strategies
• One-on-One Mentoring (1–2 hours/week): Tailored guidance from subject-matter experts to strengthen financial models, pitch materials, and capital strategies
• Applied Assignments: Hands-on exercises that allow participants to apply key concepts, including drafting loan applications and refining financial projections
“We are honored to host the first BRIDGE cohort at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and to support women entrepreneurs as they build and scale their ventures,” said Pamela Allison, endowed chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “This program aligns with our current programming at the commitments to advancing innovation, economic development, and equitable access to opportunity across our region.”
For more information about future cohorts, please contact programs@oiwee.com or visit the page at oiwee.org.
About IWEE
IWEE is a partnership unlike any other in Maryland, harnessing the collective strength of the state's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in collaboration with TEDCO. Our team comprises representatives from each of these esteemed institutions, coming together to bring best-in-class practices to fuel economic development. We focus on driving innovation and fostering diversity to promote growth throughout the state.
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Media Contact
programs@oiwee.com