First Women's Bank Announces New Mission Partners

Strategic Insights -

First Women's Bank (FWB) is making strides in promoting economic growth and inclusivity, particularly in the women's economy. The bank has recently announced that Microsoft and United Airlines have joined its list of Mission Partners, alongside other notable corporations and organizations. FWB's innovative strategy combines national Small Business Administration lending with deposits from mission-aligned individuals, corporations, and organizations to create accessible financing for small businesses, particularly those led by women.

Key Takeaways:

  • FWB has appointed Microsoft and United Airlines as its newest Mission Partners, joining a list of notable supporters, including Aon, Wendy's, Comcast Corp., William Blair, and the Western Golf Association.
  • The bank's innovative strategy combines national Small Business Administration lending with deposits from mission-aligned individuals, corporations, and organizations to create accessible financing for small businesses, particularly those led by women.
  • FWB's Mission Partners, through FDIC-insured mission deposits, help expand economic opportunity for the women's economy.
  • Microsoft plans to provide training and resources from its global skills initiative to small businesses through the FWB Collective, a community of resources, support, and inspiration.
  • The FWB Collective will provide access to capital, resources, and community for small businesses, elevating the role of women within the economy.
  • FWB is spotlighting small businesses it has financed since its grand opening last fall, including Tropical Smoothie and Scooters Coffee, highlighting the success of its business model.
  • FWB's president and CEO, Marianne Markowitz, emphasizes the importance of closing the gender lending gap to achieve gender equality and promote inclusive economic growth.
  • FWB's Mission Partners, supporters, and shareholders are committed to helping bridge the gap and elevate small businesses and the communities they serve.

Statistics:

  • Since its grand opening, FWB has financed multiple small businesses, including Tropical Smoothie and Scooters Coffee.
  • FWB's innovative strategy combines national Small Business Administration lending with deposits from mission-aligned individuals, corporations, and organizations.
  • The bank's FDIC-insured mission deposits help expand economic opportunity for the women's economy.
  • Microsoft plans to provide training and resources from its global skills initiative to small businesses through the FWB Collective.
  • The FWB Collective aims to provide access to capital, resources, and community for small businesses, elevating the role of women within the economy.

Sources:

  • First Women's Bank (FWB) announcement
  • Article: "First Women's Bank Announces New Mission Partners" by Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (2022)
  • Microsoft Corp. (Anita Mehra, corporate vice president of global treasury & financial services)
  • United Airlines (Pam Hendry, vice president and treasurer)
  • First Women's Bank (Marianne Markowitz, president and CEO)