November 2012

 

Dear Friend:
 

With the support of our donors, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) continues to be the leader in providing entrepreneurial training, financial education, and professional development opportunities to women – and men - in the State of Connecticut. To date in 2012, WBDC has
• Served nearly 1500 clients
• Assisted in creating 75 new businesses
• Helped over 165 entrepreneurs with existing operations
What does this mean in terms of the economy? Just this year, our clients have generated gross
revenue of $5.2 million and the creation or maintenance of at least 265 Connecticut jobs. Those
impressive numbers are even more compelling when this metric is considered:

For each $1 invested in WBDC, $0.87 is reinvested in the community

We see strong results in each of our service pillars, too. Of the students in our entrepreneurial
training program FastTrac, 60% are currently in business or about to open their doors. 90% of our
financial education clients have stopped accumulating debt with our budget coaching. Through our
professional development initiatives, 100% of participants have gained new job search strategies.

The deeper meaning of giving to the Women’s Business Development Council is that you make a
difference, you have an impact, and you fuel inspiration, innovation, job creation, and economic
growth for individuals, families and the State.

This year marks the 15 year anniversary of the Women’s Business Development Council. While there are many client stories to share, the story of our first client seems fitting on our anniversary.

Dori Hightower became a client of WBDC after reading a newspaper article featuring the organization in 1998. Having achieved some success in corporate and solo legal practice, Dori was in the throes of building a start-up digital cable channel and was seeking to learn more about business. “WBDC teaches you a solution to every problem. I learned a framework for profit, loss, cash flow, and the ability to set up a sustainable business model”, says Hightower of her experience with WBDC. “The staff and volunteers of WBDC genuinely care about the clients. That is why I returned to WBDC when I was reestablishing my law practice in 2011. The FastTrac course empowered me with a foundation to know, in spite of obstacles, that there are tools for me to implement to become successful in this new endeavor...” Dori is impressed by the ability of WBDC to work with women of all different levels, meet their educational needs and inspire and empower them to reach the next level of their careers. Dori is currently on the Board of Directors of WBDC, and sits on the Major Gifts Committee.

I know your reasons are equally as personal and passionate. Thank you for your generous support.

Warm regards,
 

Jamie F. Goddard
Chair Annual Appeal 2012