Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that has empowered aspiring entrepreneurs for over 30 years through business training, lending, and matched savings programs. WORC helps individuals and families build lasting financial stability and economic independence by providing comprehensive support tailored to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. The organization serves women, minorities, and underserved communities across Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
WORC advances economic opportunity by helping individuals and families build lasting financial stability. Through entrepreneurship training, business lending, and matched savings programs, we equip people with the tools, resources, and support to turn goals into thriving businesses, strong households, and resilient communities.
Founded in 1993, WORC has grown from making its first $1,800 microloan in 1999 to offering commercial real estate loans up to $350,000. The organization has trained over 4,200 entrepreneurs, disbursed more than $11 million in small business loans, and helped 1,600+ families build savings through matched incentive programs. WORC's holistic approach combines entrepreneurship training, direct lending, and matched savings to help clients launch bakeries, salons, accounting firms, childcare centers, and other ventures that strengthen neighborhoods and create jobs.
WORC is led by Executive Director Iola Harper, who brings decades of experience in economic and community development. The team includes Deputy Director Joanna Montas, CFO Larry Poppert, Director of Finance Lisa Mills, and specialized staff including loan officers, business coaches, program managers, and training specialists. The organization also features experienced contractors like Eugene Campbell, a business coach with over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship and workforce development.
WORC offers a comprehensive range of programs including business loans and commercial real estate loans for entrepreneurs, an incentive savings program designed to strengthen personal finances, and HUB Entrepreneurship Programs providing guidance, resources, and mentorship. The organization also provides readiness assessments, technical assistance, and the Family Savings Account program to help clients achieve major financial milestones such as homeownership, education, or business launch.
WORC hosts regular orientation workshops and training sessions including FSA Orientation Workshops, Start Smart Orientations, Loan Rush workshops, and Microbusiness Day events. These programs are offered both online via Zoom and in-person, with many sessions held monthly to accommodate prospective entrepreneurs and savers seeking to enroll in WORC's programs.
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