Empowering Women, Transforming Futures
When women thrive, entire communities flourish. YWCA’s Her Path walks beside women as they discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills and resources needed to create lasting stability. By supporting each woman’s journey toward independence and opportunity, we’re helping to build a stronger, more compassionate, and more equitable future for all.
Why H.E.R.Path?
Contact: Julie Potter, herpath@ywca-lowercapefear.org
H.E.R. Path—which stands for Hope, Empowerment, and Resilience—is a program created to walk alongside women through every season of life. We are a collaborative resource for women. It is more than just a service; it is a healing space for growth, transformation, and connection. H.E.R. Path exists to address urgent challenges, break down systemic barriers, and foster supportive environments where women of all ages can find encouragement and opportunity. At its core, H.E.R. Path is a community that listens, uplifts, and advocates—ensuring every woman’s voice is heard and honored as she builds a future rooted in strength and possibility.
What H.E.R. Path Offers:
Connection to Trusted Resources: We help women access reliable community services and support tailored to their individual needs.
Barrier Reduction & Advocacy: We make it easier for women to get the help they need by removing obstacles and advocating for lasting change.
We Bridge, Not Duplicate: We don’t repeat what already exists—we guide women to those services and fill in the missing pieces.
Empowering Community & Voice: We create safe, supportive spaces where women are heard, valued, and uplifted through storytelling and shared experiences.
Living the Dream
Living the Dream is designed to increase the economic security of women and minority entrepreneurs, increase the number of small businesses in Wilmington, and provide seed funding to help entrepreneurs address business needs and grow their businesses.
Thank you to our Sponsor, The City of Wilmington, for ensuring micro and small business in our city can thrive.
Entrepreneurship Goals
Do you have a side hustle that's ready for the next step? Whether you're selling meals, candles, skincare products, crafts, or providing a service from home? Living the Dream can help turn your passion into a thriving business.
The Living the Dream Center for Entrepreneurship is designed to strengthen economic mobility by supporting women and minority entrepreneurs through business education, business formation assistance, resource development, and market exposure. Participants will receive practical tools, expert guidance, mentorship, and startup resources needed to launch, formalize, and grow sustainable businesses.
Beginning in November 2026, enrolled participants will attend hands-on business development classes taught by local industry experts covering topics such as business planning, branding, marketing, pricing, social media, customer engagement, and business registration.
As part of the program, participants will showcase their products and services at the Living the Dream H.E.R. Path Marketplace & Small Business Expo on December 12, 2026, at YWCA Lower Cape Fear, providing a unique opportunity to gain customers, increase sales, and expand their network before the holiday season.
Enrollment is now open!
Who Should Apply?
City of Wilmington Residents
Women Entrepreneurs
Home-Based Business Owners
Existing Small or Micro Businesses seeking growth
Entrepreneurs looking to launch before the holiday season
Interest Form
