California Bank & Trust (CB&T), one of California’s leading banks, is now accepting applications for the CB&T Growth Academy, held in collaboration with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The business-growth accelerator program is designed to positively impact under-represented women who are building a business but lack the support and resources to be successful. Open to women across California, the program connects women entrepreneurs with NAWBO’s network of experts, equipping them to launch and scale their businesses. Participants are guided through a nine-week virtual course led by Felena Hanson, president of NAWBO and founder of co-working space Hera Hub.
"The CB&T Growth Academy is about giving women entrepreneurs the knowledge and connections to overcome barriers to growth. This collaboration allows us to deliver real value where it’s needed the most," said Hanson.
The program will focus on critical areas such as funding and finance, operational efficiency, marketing, human resources and leadership skills. By equipping participants with practical tools and strategies, the initiative seeks to foster growth and long-term success for women entrepreneurs. In addition to the formal instruction, the course will be used to brainstorm on ways to scale a business by receiving feedback, learning from industry experts and building a community among other like-minded entrepreneurs.
"Supporting small-business owners is at the heart of what we do," said Chikako Tyler, chief financial officer and founder of the Banking on Women business resource group at CB&T. "We’re thrilled to join forces with NAWBO to offer a program that addresses the unique challenges women business owners face when scaling their businesses.”
To be eligible for this program participants must own their business for over two years, have at least one employee, generate $200,000 in annual revenue and commit to two virtual hours per week to the academy.
Applications for the CB&T Growth Academy are open now through Feb. 6. For more information, or to apply, visit: launchandgrow.org/calbank
To learn more about CB&T’s commitment to empowering California’s communities, visit www.calbanktrust.com. In addition, connect with CB&T on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About California Bank & Trust (CB&T): CB&T has been helping Californians and their businesses grow and prosper for more than 70 years. A division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ: ZION), CB&T continues to earn recognition year after year across California. CB&T has been voted “Best Bank” by readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune for 14 consecutive years, and “Best Commercial Bank” for 11 years in a row. Readers of The Orange County Register have also voted CB&T as the county’s “Best Bank” for 11 consecutive years; CB&T was also named a 2023 “Best Bank” in the Sacramento Bee’s Sacramento Favorites; and the bank has consistently won Greenwich Excellence Awards for achievement in Middle-Market and Small Business. Its experienced and professional bankers are backed by major resources yet maintain local decision-making authority and regional market and industry expertise. Each is committed to providing clients with valuable economic insights and connecting them with the beneficial business relationships they need in order to succeed. To learn more, visit www.calbanktrust.com.
Media Contact:
Sarah Bilyeu
California Bank & Trust
sarah.bilyeu@calbt.com
(619) 252-9111