Since its founding, WEDA has provided business development, management training and technical assistance to more than 11,000 Atlanta-area entrepreneurs. In the last three years alone, the organization’s flagship programs and services have helped to facilitate the formation of more than 600 small businesses that range from home-based endeavors like jewelry-making, virtual assisting and home accessories design, to retail and personal services ventures like clothing stores, hair salons and transportation services, to companies engaged in cutting edge activities like information technology and automotive waste oil recycling, as well as franchisees for Bruster’s Ice Cream, Mathnasium and System 4 Janitorial.

Also included among WEDA’s client base are social entrepreneurs who have chosen to pursue non-profit ventures that provide critically-needed services like transitional housing, after school programs, substance abuse counseling and eldercare in response to the needs of disadvantaged families and communities. Combined, WEDA’s client businesses have made significant contributions to the area’s economy, including the creation of more than 184 new jobs (not included the business owners).

WEDA is a bi-lingual organization that offers its programs and services in both English and Spanish.