START UP • SCALE UP
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MISSION: To assist, support and champion the economic success of women with entrepreneurial and financial education thereby strengthening our communities through the creation and retention of sustainable businesses, new jobs and economic prosperity. Contents
4 Pillars of Service 5 Entrepreneurial Training 5 Business Essentials 8 Accounting & Finance 10 Sales & Marketing 14 Business Specialty 15 Contracting/Certification 16 Legal 17 Financial Education 19 Access to Capital 19 Customized Training
Business Growth Happens Formed in 1997, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that embraces the knowledge that women empowering other women is the path to success. WBDC delivers business and financial education that makes a difference in people’s lives. Businesses are started or are grown to next level.
Looking Ahead to Economic Growth WBDC advances women business owners’ impact in our local communities and throughout the state. As the region’s leading resource focused on women’s economic potential, WBDC’s advocacy equity initiatives reach thousands of women through our national and global strategic alliances. WBDC has seen what happens when clients bring their determination and focus to learning. They gain a voice. They engage in a dialogue with business and political leaders at the state and national levels. Opportunities are created. Ideas ignited. Economies expanded. Dreams are realized.
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1. 2. 3. PILLARS OF SERVICE
Entrepreneurial Training
WBDC provides services to startup, emerging and growthstage entrepreneurs. At the core of WBDC training is a multi-week business-planning program entitled GPS – a Guide to Plan for Success. Other dynamic programming covers a wide range of topics including Marketing, Finance, QuickBooks, Women’s Certification and Procurement and Access to Capital. Industry experts and WBDC business advisors work with clients one-on-one on business planning and development, strategic planning, cash flow management, sales and marketing challenges and accessing capital.
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Financial Education
Access to Capital
WBDC tailors financial coaching to cover individual needs from one-on-one budget training to panel discussions, short- to longterm financial counseling with the goal of assisting with debt management, credit repair and other financial issues.
Women-owned businesses have historically experienced significant barriers to obtaining funding. WBDC has responded by helping to fill this gap with a number of different initiatives: • Ongoing one-on-one counseling and courses aimed at educating clients on loan options, access to affordable capital and completing loan applications. • Offering micro loan opportunities to those who would otherwise be turned away by traditional lenders. • The WBDC Capital Fund, our new financing resource, provides loans ranging from small amounts to as much as $100,000 with flexible guidelines to business owners.
GPS – a Guide to Plan for Success
Business Counseling
WBDC’s newest and most comprehensive training program for people learning to work on their business plan whether they are startup or emerging businesses. Gain a comprehensive understanding of businessbuilding fundamentals and emerge from this class with a solid blueprint firmly in hand. Give your business concept the advantage of a well thought out plan. This 12-session course is taught by industry experts in a dynamic peer-to-peer environment and is supported by an interactive, online tool to guide you every step of the way. Topics Include: Business Basics Marketing Plan Business Types/Legal Entities Basic Financials Hands on Business Plan Development Promoting Your Business in the Digital World Cash & Getting Financed Business Plan Pitch Practice Financial Forecasting Social Media Analysis Business Advisory Networking Next Steps
See the big picture first. Then, focus on the areas of your business that need attention. Take advantage of the wisdom that WBDC’s coaches, all experts in their fields, can bring to your business challenges. Get answers to questions that keep you up at night. Meet with a WBDC Business Advisor to gain your fresh perspective and determine next steps. Topics Include: Marketing Accounting QuickBooks Access to Capital/Crowd Funding/Raising Funds Strategy Legal Certification Operations Human Resources Organizational Development Insurance Non-Profit Franchising Business Structure Contracting
ignites economic sparks “ Win BDC Connecticut, educating women with entrepreneurial programs, financial education and access to capital.
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~Fran Pastore, WBDC CEO
Entrepreneurial Training
Business Essentials
Express Trak Meet a series of speakers and immerse yourself in topics to help reignite your business in this jampacked half-day program. Gain access to influential business faculty and enjoy opportunities to network with other small business owners. Each Express Trak Program is comprised of three or more workshops designed with a specific focus/track. Topics Include: Sales and Marketing Business Growth Strategy Social Media Business Basics
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Entrepreneurial Training
Online Learning
Lunch & Learn with WBDC
Explore our online catalog to find the program that’s right for you! WBDC offers choices and flexibility in obtaining the skills and knowledge you need to be more successful—easy access to take a class when the timing is right for you—at your pace, on your schedule! Classes Include: Accounting Fundamentals QuickBooks Business Analysis Effective Business Writing Microsoft Excel Blogging and Podcasting Creating Web Pages Designing Effective Websites Introduction to Google Analytics Start and Operate Your Own Home-Based Business Keys to Successful Money Management Where Does All My Money Go? Starting and Growing a Non-Profit Grant writing
Join WBDC and special guest speakers for interactive discussions on an array of relevant topics. Gain insights that will help you move your business forward and knowledge that will help you secure a bright financial future. Enjoy your lunch while meeting others. This is a great opportunity to expand your current business network. Topics Include: Business Issues Impacting Women Building financial acumen
Strong Coffee, Strong Women Meet, mingle, learn from and connect with other entrepreneurs like you who are focused, determined and successful in a friendly atmosphere designed to gain you valuable exposure. Fueled by caffeine and determined entrepreneurs, this valuable networking event is for those focused on achieving something every day. Join WBDC and a special guest speaker chosen from an array of backgrounds. They’ll share their journey into entrepreneurship and success, along with their expertise across all aspects of their business.
Start Smart: Jump Starting Your Business Plan Turn your ideas into realities with a well-architected, solid business plan. You’ve got a great idea and have begun exploring how it has the potential to become a great business. Join WBDC for an interactive workshop that will provide you with resources to jump-start your development of a business plan. Topics Include: Moving from Idea to Development Testing the Feasibility of Your Concept Constructing a Power Plan
Exploring Entrepreneurship Decide whether or not your idea or vision can become the basis for an amazing business opportunity. Discover everything you need to know to determine if entrepreneurship is right for you. Explore your business concept with a qualified WBDC counselor in this enlightening seminar and find out what you need to get started. Topics Include: Entrepreneurship Basics Tips and Suggestions for Getting Started
has provided me with the clear vision and the beginning is the most important part of “ WtheBDC work. WBDC’s coach/instructor helped me solve my major problems including starting and completing my business plan. The Business Planning Program gave me sufficient skills to begin my journey in becoming a minority, woman business owner. It gave me the confidence in my ability to follow through with my vision for my business. It was an unforgettable experience and I will continue to attend other programs provided by the WBDC
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~ Melissa, Waterbury, CT
Boost your sales with a remarkably easy-touse, breakthrough approach to strategic communications. Discover how to combine persuasion psychology, proven marketing tactics and strategic planning techniques to catapult your productivity to a whole new level of effectiveness! Learn about one of the most basic and most essential tools for small business building. Topics Include: Proposals and Presentations Emails, Letters, Postcards and Newsletters Websites
Exporting Basics Understand the potential opportunities that can be derived from exporting and whether it’s right for you. In conjunction with CT’s Small Business Development Center, WBDC presents this workshop to help small businesses excel at selling goods and services through exporting – a critical consideration in today’s global economy. Topics Include: The Steps Needed to Begin Exporting Ways to Increase Sales and Profits Reducing Dependence on Domestic Markets Stabilizing Seasonal Fluctuations
Building Your Business Advisory Board Move your organization to the next level with this invaluable workshop. Learn what it takes to find experts to help your business develop – there’s no reason to go it alone. The right mix of people lending their expertise can make all the difference. Topics Include: Assembling the Right Group Keeping Your Board Engaged and Interested Understanding Constructive Feedback Insider Knowledge on Processes and Requirements
Stay Open for Business: Planning for the Unexpected Prepare in advance against business disruptions that could cost you time, productivity and money. Develop a readiness plan to anticipate possible situations that (hopefully won’t but still) could arise. Loss of income or loss of operational time, supplier issues, loss of power, natural disasters: these and more are obstacles you can take action now to protect against. The future of your business depends on it! Topics Include: Disaster Preparedness Minimizing Impact Resources for Recovery Business Insurance
omen are an increasingly powerful “ Wforce in the business world. However, women entrepreneurs still face unique and disproportionate pressures across our state and the country. The Women’s Business Development Council has helped countless women develop their careers, open and grow their own businesses, and achieve economic empowerment. Its blend of training and counseling services is why the WBDC is a leader in helping women and women-owned businesses grow, thrive, innovate, and hire.
Entrepreneurial Training
Writing to Sell
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~Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
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Entrepreneurial Training
Accounting & Finance Business Finance Boot Camp: A Two-Part Series
QuickBooks ProAdvisor: Implementing Accounting Software
Become conversant with financial statements and understand what they communicate about the health of your business.
Bring a whole new level of accounting proficiency to your business by learning the keys to QuickBooks quickly and effectively.
Understand the key statements that can provide much needed insight and greater control of your business. Part I – Basic Training: An in-depth overview of the key financial statements. Session I: Overview of Financial Statements and Balance Sheet Session II: Cash Flow Session III: Income Statement & Wrap Up Part II – Advanced Business Finance: A hands-on application to help you learn analysis using small business financial statements. (Note: Designed for the established or new business owner who has a basic understanding of the three key financial statements.) Session IV: Inter-relationship of Statements and Trends Session V: Budgeting and Forecasting
Keep your finances organized and accurate without a lot of accounting knowledge! Manage your payroll, inventory, sales and other needs of your small business by putting this powerful software to work for you. WBDC’s certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor is available to meet with you to provide insight and guidance. By appointment only. Topics Include: Setting Up Your Chart of Accounts Bank Reconciliations Inventory Control Payroll
Business Finance: Open Forum Discussion Become conversant with your business financial position, increase revenue, forecast and predict cash flow. Address your most pressing business finance issues in this series of monthly discussions ledmonthly discussions led by WBDC’s finance expert.
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QuickBooks: Information Session Gain a solid overview of what people who know QuickBooks are raving about – accounting capabilities that can make a substantial difference. Discover how QuickBooks can help you organize your business data, track performance and help prepare for tax season. Informational only: not a hands-on class using QuickBooks software.
QuickBooks: Preparing for Tax Season
Get hands-on experience with QuickBooks and apply valuable accounting principles to your business. Practice setting up, navigating and using QuickBooks in a three-session computer lab series designed to give you a basic grasp of this valuable accounting software. Basic Microsoft Windows skills are required. Accounting or bookkeeping experience is a plus but not necessary. Topics Include: Invoicing Bill Payments Bank Reconciliations Customer and Vendor Centers Financial Statements
Keep complete and accurate records for your tax professional and help lower your tax preparation costs! In this lecture-based program, WBDC shows you how to use QuickBooks to review and prepare Form 1099, set a closing date at year-end and back up your files. Take some of the stress out of the timeconsuming tax season with knowledge you can take to the bank. Prerequisite: must currently be using QuickBooks. Topics Include: Reconciling Cash and Credit Card Accounts Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable Year-End Financial Reports
QuickBooks: Advanced Features
Tax Season: Understanding Your Schedule C
Step up to the advanced options and tools of QuickBooks and master your business’ finances and accounting. If you already have a good working knowledge of QuickBooks and are hungry for the next level, this course will address your individual questions and real life challenges. Learn to effectively utilize the more advanced features of this widely used small business accounting software and take your business to the next level, too. Topics Include: Managing Credit Card Transactions Sales Tax Payroll Inventory Custom Reports Online Banking Features
With the right knowledge, tax season doesn’t have to be a time of dread. Practical solutions help small business owners conducting business under a Limited Liability Corporation and filing under personal taxes with a Schedule C prevent surprise tax obligations and discover opportunities for saving. Topics Include: Tax Reporting Payment Responsibilities Qualifying for Tax Credits
is the best place to go if you “ WareBDC really thinking you want to start your own business. The knowledge, the support and the connections I have now are a priceless foundation as I move forward. It’s a safe place to try out your ideas and get your questions answered. A valuable resource not to miss.
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Connect with Your Numbers: 3 Key Principles of Recordkeeping and Why It Will Aid Your Business Success
Entrepreneurial Training
QuickBooks: Getting Started
Gain peace of mind around your numbers and end the struggle of connecting with your books. Whether you choose to manage your own finances or have decided to outsource them to accounting professionals, WBDC’s accounting expert shows you how to build a strong financial foundation. Put keeping records into its proper perspective so you can be free to focus on the parts of your business that you really love. Topics Include: Connecting With & Achieving Your Revenue Goal Creating a Consistent Cash Rhythm for Your Business Staying on Top of Your Finances
~Hillary, Stamford, CT
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Sales & Marketing Marketing Counseling
Entrepreneurial Training
Join WBDC’s marketing expert for a preliminary discussion and evaluation of your business and your marketing challenges.
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Receive helpful tools and solutions including concrete marketing ideas that can be implemented immediately. Get solid referrals to outside vendors you can tap into for professional help. Topics Include: Prioritizing Projects and Costs Setting the Right Path Implementing Marketing Tools
Marketing 101 Determine a powerful marketing mix to launch, reach and exceed your sales goals. Consumers can’t support your business if they don’t know about it. That’s why marketing is an essential foundation of any successful small business. But where to start? This workshop provides an overview of the traditional marketing mix tactics and introduces you to marketing approaches that will best reach your target audience. Develop a strategy that works for you! Topics Include: Print Ads Radio and TV Direct Mail Digital Marketing Sponsorships and Events
Hands-On Marketing: Creating a Practical Marketing Plan to Grow Your Small Business Join a small group of established business owners in this dynamic four-session program led by a seasoned marketing professional. Learn the fundamentals of marketing using a stepby-step template and other focused resources, anddevelop a targeted, actionable marketing plan to drive sales and growth for your business. Prerequisites: Must be in business a minimum of one year with a record of tracked sales. An application and interview are required to be enrolled in the class. Class size is limited. Topics Include: An Overview of Marketing And The Components of The Marketing Plan Developing Your Positioning and Branding Building Your Ideal Communications Mix Advertising Social Media Print Radio Building Your Personal Brand The value of your brand should not be underestimated. Understand the principles that can make a measurable business difference. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, your personal brand is your corporate brand. The key to success is building a brand that positively impacts your business. Committing to updating and building your brand can be easier than you think and well worth the return on your investment. Learn how to define, manage and grow your own individual brand to drive business results.
Eliminating Your Competition Having a strong personal brand is a trait all successful entrepreneurs must have. Learn how your success factors are driven by your own brand personality. Find ways to set your company apart from your competition, plus understand and apply branding techniques to positively impact your business. Learn how to clearly stand for something and attract customers who seek that difference, create your personal brand both on- and off-line and create a network of trusted advisors and referral sources.
Customer Engagement in the Digital World: The Changing Consumer Experience Learn how to upgrade your business through digital technology! Understand the trends that drive today’s online shopping experience and learn how to change with consumers. Gain valuable perspective on how they have become more discerning and price sensitive as well as more demanding and less brand loyal. This dynamic program is a don’t-miss opportunity to transform your business! Topics Include: Ecommerce Trends Advanced Technology Today’s Buying Habits
Keep It Simple: Streamlining Your Messaging Simplify before you amplify your message! Learn to quickly, easily and effectively acquire new customers by mastering skills that help you clarify your marketing message, improve your offering, express your value and step up your close.
Opening and Closing the Deal Here’s the way to step up your business confidence in making successful deals. Bold communication skills are a key component for entrepreneurial success, especially when you are attempting to open up a dialog or close a deal. This workshop will help use body language to connect to your audience, step out of your comfort zone and initiate connections with new clients.
Keeping them Engaged: Customer Service Loyal and repeat customers make a business thrive. Here’s a sure-fire way to engage them long-term! Customer loyalty is the cornerstone of any successful business. Learn how to create “brand ambassadors” and increased trust between you and your customers, resolve customer conflicts and become a trusted advisor, not just a vendor.
Building Loyal Customer Advocates: The Art of Buzz Marketing and Online Referrals Get a comprehensive overview of customer recruitment and retention to help you sustain and grow your customer base after the sale. Social media is quickly becoming the most influencing forms of marketing. In fact, a recent article in HubSpot noted that 71% of people are more likely to purchase based on a social media referral than any other form of advertising. Nurturing referral relationships using social media sharing sites is a key component to any small business owner’s success. Learn specific techniques you can start to use immediately, manage your social media in just 17 minutes a day and integrate your efforts to support existing marketing. Topics Include: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Entrepreneurial Training
Developing Results-Oriented Communications Effective communication is the cornerstone to business success. Communication breakdowns can result in lost time, money, energy and unfulfilled expectations in ourselves and in others. Learn key communication skills that will lead to more authentic relationships, increased collaboration, conflict resolution and trust while helping you build a successful business. Skill building includes: verbal and non-verbal cues, negotiation, diplomacy, tact and building credibility.
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Capitalizing on the Changing Consumer Shopping Experience
How to Market Your Business: Websites, Blogs & Other Technology
Find new ways to keep your business up-to-date with the changing world of buyers. Today, customers are more discerning, more price sensitive, more demanding and less brand loyal than ever. Understand the trends that are driving the shopping experience, gain a customer-focused perspective on buying habits and gain the tools you need to assist you in leveraging these changes.
Do you know what your “digital footprint” is and why it’s important? Understand why a digital presence is critical to business success. Discover the tools you need to build a strong website even if you don’t know how to code or program. Gain insights on making your site mobile friendly. Master the art of driving traffic to your site through blogs and social media. Topics Include: Content Marketing Blogs Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Entrepreneurial Training
Marketing Through Alternative Sales Channels Digital can be business dynamite! Here’s how to use it to boost sales. Hear how one self-taught and successful small business owner embraced new technology and is capitalizing on ways to boost sales in the digital landscape. Gain insight into digital display advertising, social media, email marketing, Google Analytics and much more.
Building and Managing Your Business’ Social Profile Learn to appreciate how digital interaction with customers can impact value and revenue. Get a digital edge when you learn the power of social media. A strong social presence is the price of entry for most small businesses. It is undeniably becoming one of the key components in building your brand awareness, increasing brand loyalty and gaining access to a large pool of referrals and leads. Topics Include: Leveraging Social Media for: Branding Fundamentals Networking Basics Building, Managing and Protecting Your Business
Digital Success: Improving Your Online Marketing Results Unlock the secret to defining and managing your social media goals and get simple tips for your website and social media marketing efforts. Increase traffic to your website, generate qualified leads at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods and build important relationships with your audience. This valuable program simplifies the seemingly complex digital world and gives you the tools to improve your online marketing more effectively. Topics Include: Internet Marketing Online Targeting Social Media Implementation
Managing Your Web and Social Media Unlock the secret to defining and managing your social media goals with simple tips for your web and marketing efforts. Social media is the best place to learn more about your audience and how to target them more effectively. Instant and valued feedback from your customer’s perspective is highly desirable. Social media can also be used to increase critical traffic to your website. You’ll also generate qualified leads at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods and build important relationships with your audience.
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BDC’s instructor was very “ Winsightful about creative business concepts and ideas. She was able to assist and guide me in a way that I could learn about branding and growing my company.
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~ Parris, New Haven, CT
Make your business shine by understanding and leveraging the importance of social media today. This hands-on workshop teaches you how to strategically build and engage your online following. Gain insight in how to choose the right platform(s) from among multiple options. Make your business activities more streamlined and effective and promote your business to grow your target market and sales with mastery of social media. Topics Include: Facebook Pinterest Instagram Google+ Twitter Constant Contact®
Email Marketing Made Easy Advance your business awareness quickly and effectively with this step-by-step email marketing webinar. Stay in touch with customers, foster relationships and mine for new prospects with this proven email marketing approach. Whether you’re looking to update your customers on special offerings, new products, staff changes or other news, email marketing is an efficient way to make sure you stay top of mind and relevant! Topics Include: Nurturing Relationships Basics of Constant Contact® Email Database Management Developing Email Campaigns
Finding the Right Mix: Integrated Marketing for Your Small Business Find a variety of paths to potential customers by integrating the right mix of marketing initiatives. Discover how to develop the right strategic mix of different marketing tactics to reach your target audience and achieve your goals. Topics Include: Social Media and Online Marketing Traditional Marketing Methods Direct Mail Optimizing Spending Designing the Most Effective Approach
Networking: The Art of Listening and Learning Improve your focus on listening, learning and networking. Develop these essential skills in order to meet potential customers, business partners and vendors. In this interactive session you’ll practice networking successfully by learning essential tips and techniques that will help you conquer your fears and develop more effective skills.
Marketing for Results: Building a Strong Action Plan for Your Business Create a solid, actionable marketing plan that delivers results. This dynamic three-part series gives you a comprehensive grasp of marketing fundamentals and the components of a marketing plan. Seasoned marketing professionals will help you identify your ideal target, develop a unique positioning in the marketplace and assemble your communications mix using a step-by-step template and other focused resources. Part I – Marketing Fundamentals: Learning the Basics Part II – M arketing Techniques: Applying Them to Your Business Part III – Marketing in the Real World: Implementing a Plan Topics Include: Traditional Media Social Media Digital Media
Entrepreneurial Training
Taking Center Stage: The Right Social Media Platform
Using Social Media: Building a Social Business Agenda Gain a greater competitive advantage by learning how to create your own social business agenda. Learn how, what and why social media is accelerating at a blinding pace and its effects on driving business. WBDC’s Social Business Evangelist takes you beyond the early days of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to understand how harnessing social tools can make your small business more efficient. Topics Include: Social Techniques Increasing Productivity Enhancing Innovation Reducing Costs Becoming a Social Business
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Business Specialty Entrepreneurial Training
Taste of Success: How to Start and Grow a Food Business Meet experts and hear about business successes that can help open doors for you to open a food establishment or get your product into the marketplace. This informative, interactive four-part series provides you with an understanding of the basic requirements and insights into what it takes to open a restaurant, bakery, food service establishment or launch a food product. At each session, you’ll hear from industry experts, successful business owners and WBDC’s own business specialists. Part I – What’s Trending: The CT food landscape, legal requirements and more. Part II – Launching a Retail Food Business: Insight into the costs, challenges and opportunities. Part III – F ood Manufacturing: How to get store placement. Part IV – Building a Business Plan: Check the viability of your business concept. Topics Include: Public Health Issues Local Legalities Start-Up Costs Marketing Business Sustainability
Opening a Family Daycare: The ABC’s Pursue your passion for childcare while enjoying the freedom and responsibility of being your own boss! This three-session program provides the information and guidance you need to take steps toward launching your own family daycare business. Topics Include: Education State Licensing Insurance Financing Community Resources
he business plan development course “ Twas a wonderful experience. I met some extraordinary people amongst my classmates, mentors, volunteers and our instructor. The course helped me to focus on my strengths and how to capitalize on them. I finished with renewed energy to pursue my own business goals. I plan on attending more WBDC events and being an active member of the entrepreneur community.
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~ Kirsten, Stamford, CT
Contracting/Certification Expand your customer base in this challenging economy by aligning with government needs. Established small business owners get the critical information they need to determine whether or not working with the Federal Government is a viable option. This interactive workshop paints the complete picture of how to take advantage of government opportunities. Topics Include: Where/How to Register Available Resources and Programs Marketing Tips Deciphering Federal Set-Asides Finding Available Bids Navigating the System for Award Management and Federal Business Opportunities Information on the Small Business Administration’s Newest Programs
Building Your Business with the State of CT Consider opening new doors by doing business with the State of CT. Learn how to leverage this valuable alliance, become eligible and expand your markets. Certification to do business with the State is much easier than you think – and can all be handled online. Topics Include: Simplifying Certification Application Process Benefits of Being State-Certified
Licensing and Registration in CT: Ensuring You’re Properly Covered Master the ins and outs of Connecticut’s regulatory process for business. Every CT business needs to register and may require one or more licenses. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to apply for identification numbers, licenses and permits that match the types of services you offer.
Topics Include: Licensing and Sales and Use Tax Withholding Tax and Business Entity Tax
CT’s New Business Entity: Benefit Corporations Understand the rules and regulations and potential advantages of this new form of corporation. This cutting-edge session is directed at those looking to pursue a mission that simultaneously embraces societal good and profits. In 2014, CT made available this new type of legal entity – a hybrid between for-profit and charitable endeavors. Designed for entrepreneurs and investors who seek to build a competitive business with socialbased goals. Topics Include: In-depth Discovery of One of CT’s Newest Types of Business Parameters of Fiduciary Duty
Becoming Certified: A Guide for Women-Owned Business
Entrepreneurial Training
Building Your Business with the Federal Government
Navigate the certification process that’s accepted by over 700 major corporations, nonprofit organizations and local, state and federal government agencies. Gain greater access to decision makers in supplier diversity and become eligible for public corporation as well as local, state and federal government purchasing agency programs that allot business to womenowned companies. Becoming certified can make all the difference between landing business or not – particularly from those corporations that require it. Topics Include: How the Certification Process Works Certification Advantages Steps You Need to Take to Become Certified Customer Lists Images Product Design Packaging | 15
Legal Legal Basics
Entrepreneurial Training
Understand how you can mitigate the costly mistakes that can ultimately hurt – or even ruin – your business. Even the most solid business decisions made by the most careful business owners can fall prey to legal matters. Anticipate them to avoid them or get a handle on the basics of dealing with them if they arise. Topics Include: Entity Structure Personal Liability Employee vs. Independent Contractor Distinction Intellectual Property Contracts Accepting “Angel” Investment
Contractor, Consultant or Employee: What’s the Difference? Prepare yourself for the options of self-employment vs. hiring independent contractors to expand your business. A valuable two-part workshop aimed at informing self-employed people, those considering selfemployment as an independent contractor or those considering hiring independent contractors. Topics Include: Obligations and Requirements for Consultants Information for Business Owners
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Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know Learn the basics of intellectual property rights including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and potential pitfalls. Understand the basics of intellectual property and protecting what differentiates your company in the digital age. Get a full grasp of the critical basic steps needed to protect core, valuable assets. Topics Include: Intellectual Property Management of: Company Names and Logos Product Ideas
Social Media: Legal Implications Learn the legal risks surrounding today’s broad social media landscape. Leverage social media to advertise your products or services and brands, promote events, host contests, post pictures and generally stay top-of-mind with your audience safely, securely and confidently. Understand the legal parameters that surround all different forms of social media. Topics Include: Trademarks and Copyrights Product Endorsements Sweepstakes and Contests Publicity and Privacy Rights Negative Postings Comparative Advertising
Financial Education Acquire the financial management skills you need to create a budget plan that meets goals for today and tomorrow.
Advanced Financial Coaching: For the Long Term Receive long-term coaching to achieve critical outcomes during tough financial times.
Work side by side with a coach during this fourmonth program to set short- and long-term financial goals, develop your budget and formulate an action plan to meet your priority goals.
This unique coaching program provides extended coaching to clients who are experiencing financial crisis. Work with a financial coach for up to six full months to gain the resolution you need.
Budget Building Workshop
Topics Include: Large Debt Bankruptcy Foreclosure
Whether or not you have a Budget Coach, the beginning phases of building a basic household budget are essential to getting started. Jumpstart your Budget Coaching sessions with direction from WBDC coaches using real-life budget scenarios to provide you with the information you need to build and manage your own household budget. A little learning can go a long way to helping you take your first steps. Topics Include: Hypothetical Budget Analysis Budget Building Skills
Personal Financial Walk-In Days Meet with a WBDC counselor who can help address a variety of your financial concerns including: your credit score and report, home buying, developing a personal budget and much more.
Building Wealth: Tips and Tricks for Budgeting and How to Live by It! Did you know, only one in three people in the U.S. has a budget? If you have one, congrats! If not, consider joining us.
Financial Education
Budget Coaching: One-on-One
Learn to build and live by a budget. Join WBDC’s personal financial expert to explore ways to set a realistic budget, tips on how to stick with it and how to achieve financial goals. Bring your questions for this interactive session!
Debt: How Much is it Costing You and How to Pay it Off Creditors make plenty of money every month from the finance charges you pay. Stop cringing every time your see extra fees added on to your monthly credit card statement and other bills. Learn how to minimize the ravaging effects of carrying unnecessary debt. Learn from WBDC’s personal financial expert what the high price of carrying debt can be costing you. Topics Include: Paying off Debt Faster How to Keep More Money in Your Pocket
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Ensuring Business Success: Take Charge of Your Personal Finances This dynamic session of insight, guidance and networking is just what you need to get a better handle on personal finances whether you are thinking of starting a business or are already an established entrepreneur.
Financial Education
Hear from a successful entrepreneur who has lived with salary, commission and self-employed income streams and knows how to live and thrive. Jill RussoFoster, author of Thrive in Five: Take Charge of Your Finances in 5 Minutes a Day, shares her professional guidance and wisdom to help you master your finances. Topics Include: Steps to Take to Avoid Overspending Improving Credit Scores Credit as a Means for Securing Funding
Money Tips to Help Women Thrive The “M” word doesn’t have to raise fears every time you hear it. While you may feel you have a good grasp on the basics, more refined skills are helpful in learning to build a secure financial future. Join us for an interactive discussion of the “M” word and leave with an action plan that will help guide your financial future. Why just strive…when you can thrive?
Planning for Retirement Get on the path to a healthy, secure tomorrow by planning now! Chart your financial future with this important workshop focused on estimating how much you’ll need and building a solid plan for funding your later years. Topics Include: Types of Retirement and Savings Plans Tax Benefits for Small Businesses Contribution Maximums Plan Benefits
Understanding Social Security Benefits Acquire valuable insights into the key decisions you can make now to impact your retirement income later. Receive a thorough examination of common questions and misconceptions about Social Security that could be crucial to your future. Understanding your eligibility can set you up for a potentially large lifetime benefit! Topics Include: Retirement Planning Options Optimizing Social Security Benefits
Topics Include: Money Confidence Tips on Saving and Spending Learning Budget Basics
Building Personal Credit Learn how improved credit can be the key to establishing a successful personal financial future. WBDC’s financial expert guides you in understanding, building and preserving credit worthiness to increase your access to financing, obtain employment and qualify for lower interest rates. Topics Include: Improving Your Credit Reading Your Credit Report Understanding Your FICO Score
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would recommend this coaching to “ Ianyone who is not where they want to be financially. The coaching skills and relationship built is priceless.
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~Melissa, Stamford, CT
WBDC Capital WBDC provides loans up to $100,000 that help to start or grow a business and can be used for such things as working capital, new hires, furniture, inventory, supplies, equipment and/or machinery. The WBDC Capital microloan fund offers flexible guidelines to help businesses build better credit and improve their attractiveness to traditional lenders.
Business Growth: Access to Capital Counseling Leverage extraordinary access to a comprehensive financial resource. The key to getting a business off the ground or taking it to the next level could very well be the right funding. Expert WBDC counselors meet oneon-one to guide you in whatever specific growth area suits your business needs best. Topics Include: Fine-Tuning a Business Plan Coaching Sales Management Training
Small Business Loans: Considering Your Options Learn about the many financial resources that are available to help you open or expand your business as well as the most effective way to proceed with your funding needs. Join WBDC’s panel of commercial bankers and non-bank lenders to learn about opportunities for attaining the business funds you need. Topics Include: Access to Bankers and Lenders Valuable Insights Insider Knowledge on Processes and Requirements
CT Small Business Express: Grant and Loan Program Learn about unique grant and loan opportunities to hire and expand your small business. Discover whether your small business is eligible for a grant of up to $100,000 or a loan up to $300,000 from CT’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Access to Capital
Access to Capital
Topics Include: Access to Untapped Financial Resources
Finding Funding for Your Business Learn how to take the appropriate steps for obtaining business capital. Meet with WBDC counselors and leading business lenders to learn how you can access capital for your small business. Discover how to overcome obstacles in garnering capital needed to take advantage of marketplace opportunities to grow your business. Topics Include: Small Business Access to Capital Affordable Loans for Micro Entrepreneurs
Customized Training WBDC provides customized training and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics as well as best practices to deliver to their constituents. WBDC works with a variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations to design or enhance their financial education and entrepreneurial training program offerings. Our personalized approach respects each organization’s unique mission, “personality” and culture, and our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each constituency. From customized long-term classroom training to one-on-one business and financial coaching, WBDC replicates successful curriculum models, designs customized programs and materials and provides consultation for building results-based initiatives. | 19 11
WBDC Headquarters - Stamford 184 Bedford Street, Suite 201 Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: 203-353-1750 WBDC Regional Office - Derby 412 Roosevelt Drive Derby, CT 06418 Phone: 203-751-9550 WBDC Satellite Office - Danbury Western Connecticut State University 43 Lake Avenue Extension West Side Classroom Building Room 238 Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 203-969-5158 WBDC Satellite Office - Hartford McCarter & English 185 Asylum Street, 36th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: 203-969-5158 www.ctwbdc.org