February Programs Slated With WBDC Educate Entrepreneurs

The statewide Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), a leader in helping women become economically self-sufficient through entrepreneurial training, offers numerous programs to help people start or improve their own business. Sessions for February include:

Business Information Session — Discover resources for business and professional development at this free session, and learn how the Women’s Business Development Council’s programs and services can provide the tools for a successful future through self-employment and increased income. No charge, but registration is requested.

Certifying a Women-Owned Business — A free teleclass from the Women’s Business Development Council on Thursday, February 24, noon to 1:30 pm, will provide information about how businesses owned primarily by women can gain certification, which is an important marketing tool for expanding a company’s visibility and gaining access to decisionmakers in corporate supplier diversity and procurement offices.

E-Mail Marketing Made Easy — Learn to create affordable, professional-looking e-mail marketing campaigns with Constant Contact in this webinar from the Women’s Business Development Council, Wednesday, February 16, 6 to 8 pm. Participants will explore the basic development of an e-mail database management system. Program fee, $20.

Paying for Higher Education — Join WBDC for a free, informative workshop that will help participants better plan for future education costs, explore investment options to save for higher education, and learn some practical ways to save and invest. Stamford: Thursday, February 17, 6 to 8 pm, at the University of Bridgeport Stamford Campus, 5 Riverbend Drive, in partnership with Wells Fargo.

Walk-In Day — No appointment needed and no charge to meet with a counselor at the Women’s Business Development Center. Learn how WBDC programs and services can help with your individual business and professional development needs. Just walk in. Sessions are 10 am to 3 pm in Stamford: Wednesday, February 15, at the Stamford Government Center, 188 Washington Boulevard.

Other ongoing programs include:

Small Business Counseling — Business owners can meet one-on-one with counselors from the Women’s Business Development Council for counseling on such issues as marketing, finance, insurance, human resources, legal issues and taxes. The fee is $50 per session hour; scholarship assistance is available based on household income guidelines.

Business Sustainability/Access to Capital Assistance — “Business Sustainability and Access to Capital” counseling can assist and guide clients in key areas to grow their business. The WBDC counselors will work with clients one-on-one to ensure they have a clear plan for moving their business forward. Counseling services include: fine-tuning a business plan; profitability and cash flow forecasting; review of financial statements; financial negotiation coaching; sales management training, and much more. Appointment required; locations/time to be determined upon registration. Fees contingent on needed services.

Internet Training — Beginners can build their Internet knowledge for use in their businesses with a free, one-on-one session with a counselor from the Women’s Business Development Council. Learn how to sign up for a free e-mail account, send and receive e-mail, set up an address book, and send attachments. Discover the benefits of using search engines, perform simple searches, and learn how to navigate to the web pages of valuable business sites. No charge; call for an appointment.

To register or obtain more information about any WBDC programs, call 203-353-1750 for the Stamford area or toll-free at 877-799-WBDC (9232); visit ctwbdc.org, or e-mail info@ctwbdc.org.