Women in Corporate Aviation | Application Preview
Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA) is applying for government funding to support its mission of advancing women’s careers in the corporate and business aviation sector. The organization maintains financial stability by diversifying its funding sources — including memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants — to reduce risk and support long-term sustainability.
For 2025, WCA has outlined eight strategic goals:
1. Grow membership by 20% through targeted marketing, improved onboarding, and regular member events.
2. Launch a Mentorship Toolkit and Resource Hub to support professional development.
3. Award $75,000 in scholarships to 30 recipients, with expanded fundraising and streamlined application processes.
4. Host at least 10 networking opportunities, both virtual and in-person, to build industry connections.
5. Advocate for inclusivity and public awareness through campaigns, panels, and partnerships.
6. Strengthen internal infrastructure by improving volunteer training, investing in tech upgrades, and hiring key staff.
7. Expand access to educational resources through corporate partnerships, including webinars and a new online resource library.
8. Implement impact tracking systems to monitor effectiveness, gather feedback, and publish annual progress reports.
The long-term vision includes a more diverse and equitable corporate aviation industry, with more women in leadership and technical roles. WCA expects its programs to drive lasting systemic change, increase innovation, and position the organization as a leading force in the sector.
WCA’s core services — mentorship, scholarships, and networking — are tailored to help women advance across all career stages in business aviation, a segment distinct from commercial airlines and with no direct competitors. Their unique focus and proven model make them a strong candidate for funding to drive industry-wide progress.
-
General Information
Business Registration Number: 36-4092831
Location: Southaven, MS, United States
Length of Operation: 11plus
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
-
Funding Usage
To maintain financial stability, we active diversify our funding streams. We rely on a mix of membership fees, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants. By broadening our funding base, we reduce dependency on any single source and increase our resilience against unexpected changes in the economy. Goals for 2025: 1. Expand Membership and Increase Engagement: Grow the WCA membership base by 20% by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Launch targeted marketing campaigns to reach potential new members, especially students and professionals in underrepresented regions. b. Enhance the member onboarding process to ensure new members feel welcomed and engaged. c. Introduce monthly virtual meet-ups and quarterly in-person events to boost member interaction and engagement. 2. Launch a Mentorship Toolkit and Resource Hub: Develop and distribute a comprehensive Mentorship Toolkit and establish an online Resource Hub by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Collaborate with industry experts to create a Mentorship Toolkit that includes best practices, tips, and resources for both mentors and mentees. b. Develop an online Resource Hub accessible to all members, featuring mentorship guides, success stories, and interactive tools. c. Promote the toolkit and resource hub through newsletters, social media, and at WCA events to encourage active participation. 3. Expand Scholarship Opportunities: Award $75,000 in scholarships to 30 recipients by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Partner with more corporations and aviation organizations to secure additional funding for scholarships. b. Promote scholarship opportunities more effectively through targeted outreach and marketing efforts. c. Streamline the scholarship application and selection process to ensure it is fair, transparent, and accessible. 4. Increase Networking Opportunities: Host at least 10 networking events, including both virtual and in-person, by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Organize annual events at major aviation conferences and local/regional gatherings. b. Facilitate industry-specific webinars and virtual networking sessions. c. Encourage members to participate in WCA-hosted events and provide platforms for them to share their experiences. d. Exhibiting at major aviation conferences. 5. Improve Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raise awareness about opportunities for women in corporate aviation and advocate for more inclusive practices across the industry by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Launch a public awareness campaign highlighting the opportunities available for women in corporate aviation. b. Collaborate with industry partners to promote inclusive policies and practices. c. Participate in public speaking engagements, panels, and discussions to advocate for women's advancement in corporation aviation. 6. Strengthen Organizational Infrastructure: Enhance WCA’s operational efficiency and capacity to support growth and sustainability by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for volunteers and board members. b. Invest in technology upgrades to improve communication, member management, and program delivery. c. Secure funding to hire a program manager to oversee day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. 7. Expand Educational Resources Through Corporate Partnerships: Offer at least 5 new educational programs or resources through in-kind efforts of corporate partners by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Partner with corporations to develop and deliver webinars, workshops, and training modules. b. Launch an online resource library accessible to all members, featuring educational materials provided by corporate partners. c. Gather feedback from members to continuously improve and expand educational offerings. 8. Measure and Communicate Impact: Implement a robust measurement and evaluation system to track program outcomes and impact by December 31, 2025. Actionable Steps: a. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for all programs and initiatives. b. Conduct regular surveys and assessments to gather data on member satisfaction and program effectiveness. c. Publish an annual impact report to communicate WCA’s achievements and areas for improvement.
-
Business Plan
Long-Term Outcomes In the long term, we envision a significant transformation in the landscape of corporate and business aviation. Over the next five to ten years, we anticipate a substantial increase in the representation of women in technical and leadership roles within the industry. Our sustained efforts in mentorship, scholarships, and networking will result in a more inclusive and supportive environment for women, helping them to overcome traditional barriers and achieve their professional goals. As more women advance in their careers, the business and corporate aviation industry will benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, fostering greater innovation and effectiveness. The cumulative impact of our programs will contribute to systemic change, promoting equity and diversity at all levels of the corporate aviation sector. WCA's reputation as a leading organization supporting women in corporate aviation will be solidified, leading to ongoing support from members, corporate partners, and the broader community. Ultimately, we hope to create a thriving community of empowered women who drive progress and excellence in corporate and business aviation. Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA) is a global network focused on advancing women's careers in corporate and business aviation. We achieve this through by offering three core services: Mentorship, Scholarships, and Networking. Each service provides customized resources to help members overcome challenges and achieve their professional goals. At WCA, we understand that the underrepresentation of women in technical and leadership roles impacts not just gender equity but also the overall innovation and effectiveness of the corporate aviation industry. Our programs are designed to provide structure and framework to members with the tools, resources, and connections they require to navigate and succeed in corporate aviation. By emphasizing mentorship, scholarships, and networking, we are a supportive community that supports career advancement and professional development at every stage of their corporate aviation career.
-
Self Identified Competition
We do not have direct competitors, but we are very unique because we serve the business and corporate side of aviation, which is very different from the airline sector. We are a very unique sector of aviation. See answer above.
-
Contact Applicant
Subscribe to our Administrator Dashboard to gain full access to this application. Learn More
