Project: WSEP (Women's Self Employment Project) Ventures, Inc.
Grantee: WSEP (Women's Self Employment Project) Ventures, Inc.
Grant Year: 2002
Award duration/amount: 2 years, $30,000 total

WSEP Ventures (“Ventures”) is a supporting organization to the Women’s Self Employment Project (WSEP), a leader in the field of micro enterprise in the U.S. that provides credit and business support to women entrepreneurs. Ventures was established to help WSEP achieve long-term financial sustainability through the contribution of unrestricted revenue generated through Ventures’ businesses. Together, WSEP and Ventures represent a new model for sustainability for women’s organizations focused on economic opportunity.

Ventures, established in 2000, will create and manage a diversified portfolio of 4-6 new businesses within 10 years. The first business, WSEP Consulting Group, profited in year one, and anticipates 25% growth in year 2. The second business, CLW Foods, is scheduled for market introduction in 2004. The business plan for Ventures anticipates it will support 30% of WSEP’s expenses in 5 years. Both WSEP and Ventures are 501c3’s, and WSEP Futures is the holding company that formally connects the two non-profits.

3GF’s two-year $30,000 investment in WSEP Ventures is leveraging other foundation dollars to prove the model.

For more information about WSEP Ventures, Inc., visit www.wsep.net, call 312.606.8255, fax 312.606.9215 or write to the following address:

WSEP Ventures, Inc.
11 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60603
 

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