Spring Into Better Business With WBDC’s May Programs

The 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 May include:

Information Sessions — Discover WBDC’s resources for business, personal finance, and professional development. Attend a free session and learn how WBDC’s programs and services can provide the tools to prepare for your future through self-employment, self-sufficiency, and professional development. No charge but registration required

The next session is in Waterbury, Monday, May 16, from noon to 1:30 pm at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Women’s Center

Walk-In Days — No appointment needed and no charge to meet with a WBDC counselor. Learn how WBDC programs and services can help with individual business, personal finance, and professional development needs. Just walk in; no charge, no appointment needed

The next Walk-In Day is in Shelton Wednesday, May 25, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Workshop — “Things Your Parents Never Taught You: Building Personal Credit” will help answer a number of questions including: What does it mean to have good credit? How do you obtain good credit with a poor credit history? All consumers have a vested interest in understanding, establishing and preserving their credit worthiness and credit standing in order to access financing, obtain employment, and merit lower interest rates.

Come learn from WBDC’s financial expert how to read your credit report, understand your credit/FICO score, as well as how to improve your credit worthiness. Understanding how credit works is key to saving money and establishing a successful personal financial future.

This activity is in Fairfield, Thursday, May 26, from 6 to 8 pm at the Fairfield Public Library. No charge but registration required.

Ongoing programs include:

One-On-One Internet Training — Upgrade your computer and Internet skills and optimize your potential for success in today’s marketplace Register for a free, one-on-one session with a WBDC counselor. Learn how to obtain a free e-mail account, send and receive e-mail messages, 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

Business Counseling — Facing a specific business challenge? Meet with a WBDC business counselor for a one-on-one counseling session in marketing, legal issues, finance and other concentrations, including but not limited to, insurance, human resources, and taxes. Appointment required; location and time TBD upon registration. $50 per session/hour; discounts available via scholarships to those who qualify based on household income guidelines.

Business Sustainability/Access to Capital Assistance — Do you need help developing your business, or funding it to expand and grow? WBDC’s “Business Sustainability and Access to Capital” counselors can individually assist and guide clients in key areas to grow their businesses. WBDC counselors will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you have a clear plan for moving your businesses forward.

Counseling services include fine-tuning a business plan, profitability and forecasting your cash flow, financial statement review, financial negotiation coaching, sales management training, and much more.

Appointments for these ongoing sessions are required; locations/time TBD upon registration. Fees contingent on services needed.

To register or obtain more information about WBDC programs, call 203-353-1750 for the Stamford area; 203-910-4663 for the Naugatuck Valley; or visit ctwbdc.org or e-mail info@ctwbdc.org.