KeyBank partners with Eastern Area of The Links

Bringing financial resources to women of color small business owners and entrepreneurs

√ KeyBank will conduct free ‘Key4Women’ business education workshops, provide $25,000 in microgrant opportunities to small business owners in communities served by Eastern Area Link chapters

KeyBank and The Eastern Area of The Links, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of professional women of African descent, announced a newly formed partnership to provide a customized “Key4Women” Business Education Series and microgrants to women of color small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Through the partnership, KeyBank’s “Key4Women”-certified financial advisers will present a three-session virtual workshop series with access to additional “Key4Women” national programming targeted to the financial needs of businesswomen. The Eastern Area of the Links will leverage its reach to help connect female entrepreneurs and small business owners of color throughout its service area, which extends from Boston to Roanoke, Virginia, and encompasses 80 chapters with over 4,600 members. In addition, KeyBank Foundation will provide a grant of $25,000 for microgrants to participants who successfully complete the “Key4Women” program and demonstrate a business need for technical and operational assistance, and the Links will recognize their chapters who generate the most participation.

“The Links Inc. is committed to enriching and sustaining the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry,” Area Director Dr. Shuana Tucker-Sims said. “This exciting partnership with KeyBank supports our Eastern Area ‘EmpowHER’ initiative, which is designed to empower women of color to reach their full potential, including economically through the support of entrepreneurs and enterprises owned by women of color. We are proud to join forces with KeyBank and look forward to a productive partnership that transform lives, and helps women of color who lead businesses thrive and grow.”

“Key4Women” is an exclusive program offered by KeyBank that advocates, connects and empowers women as they progress on their journey to financial wellness. Established in 2005, the program is implemented through a national network of certified financial advisers who understand the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and leaders, and provides customized tools, programming, resources and events specifically targeted to women and their allies.

“ ‘Key4Women’ shares The Link’s passion for empowering women of color to succeed,” “Key4Women” National Director Rachael Sampson said. “We help women business clients dream big to achieve their financial goals every day regardless of where you are on your journey. We are excited to work with The Links to extend our ‘Key4Women’ programming and support to a critical and often underserved segment of women business owners and entrepreneurs.”

The Links “Key4Women” Business Education Series will be conducted through three Zoom sessions:

•Workshop 1 – Jan. 27: “Your Journey to Business Financial Wellness” includes an overview of creating a solid business plan, business financing, operating cash flow, credit and more.

•Workshop 2 – Feb. 24: “Financial Wellness for Yourself, Your Employees and Your Business” is about optimizing business performance by offering financial wellness resources that support your employees and attract talent.

•Workshop 3 – April 28: “Building Your Business Dream Team” details sourcing the right set of advisers to support you and your business success.

In addition, an information session about the program will be held on Monday evening, Jan. 18. Interested participants can register at https://bit.ly/3eNGzYb.