Welcome to Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship

Welcome to a space where entrepreneurs are empowered to launch and grow successful businesses through expert support, hands-on programs, and a community that’s invested in your success.

Counseling
Training

20 Years. Thousands of Entrepreneurs. One Mission.

For twenty years, CWE has supported small businesses and innovators at every stage of their journey. See how our work continues to strengthen the region’s economy and empower new generations of founders. Read more.

Collage of photos celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Women's Business Center at Chatham University, featuring women at conferences, group photos, and workshops.
Chatham University Center for Women's Entrepreneurship 20th anniversary holiday gift guide 2025.

Explore our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring products and services from CWE members, shop local and support women-owned businesses this season.

2025 Holiday Guide

Welcome to the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University

Since 2005, CWE has been creating economic opportunities through entrepreneurial education, counseling, and training.

We offer free and low-cost programs for aspiring and established business owners across 11 counties in Western Pennsylvania. Whether you're just getting started or ready to grow, we’re here to support your journey with one-on-one counseling, practical training, expert-led workshops, and a vibrant community.

Learn more
Five people standing together indoors, posing for a photo, in a modern office or conference space.

At the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, we offer personalized business counseling, expert-led training programs, and a supportive membership community. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, our services are designed to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and connection.

  • A woman with brown hair and a beige blazer smiling while talking to another woman with gray curly hair wearing a yellow jacket in an office setting with plants on the windowsill.

    Counseling

    We offer free business counseling to entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and experience levels. Our expert advisors provide personalized support in areas such as management, marketing, human resources, accounting, legal topics, and more. Sessions are available in person, online, or by phone and are designed to fit your needs and schedule.

    Learn more
  • A group of women standing together in a classroom, smiling for a photo.

    Training

    Our training programs support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From starting a business to growing an existing one, we offer practical education in areas such as financial planning, marketing, branding, and business operations. Participants gain real-world skills, expert insights, and valuable connections to move their business forward with confidence.

    Learn more
  • A large group of women posing for a photo inside a cafe or coworking space with a wall mural that says 'WORK MEET LIVE' in the background. The group appears cheerful and diverse, with tables, chairs, and decorative pumpkins visible in the foreground.

    Membership

    Joining the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship connects you to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and business professionals. Members enjoy exclusive benefits including free access to select training programs, monthly networking events, and inclusion in our business directory. Whether you are launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, CWE membership offers valuable resources and connections to support your business journey.

    Learn more

Impact Number
October 2024 - September 2025

  • $2M

    SBA Loans

  • 68

    Number of Capital Insusion

  • $4.4M

    Total Loans

  • 1,410

    Small Business Owners Trained

  • 422

    Total Training Hours

  • 675

    Small Business Owners Counseled

  • 720

    Total Counseling Hours

  • 1,032

    Jobs Supported

Upcoming Event

Featured
CWE Open House - In-Person
Jan 15
CWE Open House - In-Person

Come meet the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) staff in-person and learn about our programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners, including free business counseling and technical assistance, business resources, training programs and membership. Light refreshments provided. Free parking.

Concept to Launch - Online
Jan 27
Concept to Launch - Online

Concept to Launch is a 6-week entrepreneurial training program for entrepreneurs in the early stages of starting a business.

Dates: Six Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM starting on January 27 th and ending on March 3rd. 

This program will be offered online only at the reduced rate of $65. 

Current CWE paid Members can take the class for the further reduced price of $20. Email  womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu for the coupon code.

Required: Zoom capable device and internet access to participate for all classes.

Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who complete four or more classes live.

Facilitator: Rachel Webber, CWE Business Advisor 

To view the complete class syllabus, click here.

Real People. Real Progress.

Discover how our programs, counseling, and community have helped business owners across the region grow, adapt, and succeed.

Learn more
Member of the Month
Suzan Hauptman, Founder of  Polly and Esther
Suzan Hauptman, Founder of  Polly and Esther

Polly and Esther is a store for every woman—offering both new boutique clothing and carefully curated resale pieces. Every item is hand-selected by owner Suzie, to help women feel confident and look their best wherever life takes them. The boutique features designers such as OOH BABY, Alembika, Shannon Passero, and more. We also offer high-quality resale items from brands like Joseph Ribkoff, DKNY, Ann Taylor, and many others.

Read More →

CWE Sponsors

CWE Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor

PNC Bank logo with an orange circle containing a white stylized bird and the text 'PNC BANK' in blue.

Platinum Sponsors

UPMC Health Plan logo in purple text.

Silver Sponsors

Logo for The Musneggi Financial Group with blue text and a horizontal line.
New Jersey Transit logo with a green box and white letter N and black text spelling "New Jersey Transit".
Logo of Meyer Unkovic Scott law firm, featuring a teal circle with interconnected lines and the firm’s name in teal text to the right.

Bronze Sponsors

Campos logo featuring a purple circular symbol with stylized initials and the word 'CAMPOS' in purple text.
Logo for Bridgeway Capital with a blue bridge graphic and black text.
Close-up of the Enterprise Bank logo with black and red text.

If you would like to support CWE as a sponsor or make a donation, please contact our director, Anne Flynn Schlicht, at aschlicht@chatham.edu.