Coppin State University Announces BRIDGE Program Cohort in collaboration with Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence

Programming supporting women entrepreneurs throughout the region

(July 30, 2026) - Coppin State University collaborated with The Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence Inc. (IWEE), a TEDCO affiliate and Maryland nonprofit dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs across the state, announced the launch of its second cohort of the Business Resource Information, Development and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) Program-a TEDCO initiative equipping entrepreneurs with the technical knowledge, resources and personalized guidance necessary to access both debt and equity capital.

"These efforts exemplify the power of collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs," said Ann-Marie Waterman, chief of staff at Coppin State University. "Coppin State University is proud to serve as the home for the second cohort of IWEE's BRIDGE program, providing a space where participants can strengthen their leadership, expand their networks, and access the resources needed to accelerate business growth and create lasting economic impact."

IWEE's second BRIDGE cohort will be hosted at Coppin State University and will bring together women entrepreneurs throughout Maryland committed to growing and scaling their businesses. The eight-week program will run from September 16, 2026, through November 4, 2026, concluding with the presentations of the participants' financial action plans.

"IWEE's BRIDGE Program at Coppin State reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs by helping them overcome longstanding challenges in securing the funding they need to grow," said Teresa Payne-Nunn, interim executive director of IWEE. "By connecting participants with practical tools and expert guidance, this initiative is designed to help women attract investments and achieve long-term success."

Coppin State University's WELD: Women Entrepreneurs Leading with Dollars and Decisions (BRIDGE Program), is a cohort-based curriculum that offers leadership and financial education initiative designed to strengthen financial confidence, leadership capacity and strategic decision making among women entrepreneurs. Each week of the program includes:

• Workshops (3 hours/week): Expert-led workshop combined with facilitated discussion, practical instruction and applied exercises focused on leadership development, financial confidence and strategic decision making for women entrepreneurs.
• One-on-One or Small Group Coaching (1-2 hours/week): Participants will have access to individualized or small group coaching with facilitators or subject matter experts. Coaching sessions are designed to support application of workshop concepts, including leadership challenges, financial decision making, strategic planning and preparation for conversations with financial institutions or stakeholders.
• Applied Practice and Reflection: Between sessions, participants will complete light but intentional application activities. These may include refining leadership and financial action plans, reviewing business financials, reflecting on leadership decisions or preparing for upcoming discussions. Activities are designed to reinforce learning without creating excessive burden for active entrepreneurs.

"Access to capital begins long before an entrepreneur walks into a bank. It starts with the confidence to lead, the knowledge to make strategic financial decisions, and a clear vision for growth. Through WELD and the BRIDGE Program, we're equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools, relationships, and strategies they need to build businesses that create wealth, strengthen communities, and leave lasting legacies," said Dr. Tammira Lucas, Interim Director, Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, Coppin State University.

For more information about future cohorts, please contact [email protected] or visit the page at oiwee.org.