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"We have a lot of support," Pastore said.
WBDC's main office is in Stamford, with satellite offices in
Bridgeport, Milford, New Haven and Norwalk. Its goal? Increasing economic
independence for women. This is accomplished through small business and
professional development training; specifically, small business and
micro-enterprise training, career assistance, networking, and access to
applicable resources, according to the organization's Web site.
WBDC assesses each individual to determine if they are suited to pursue
entrepreneurial training or, professional development. Once the specific
path is agreed upon with the client, a strategic program of services and
counseling is recommended.
"Entrepreneurship creates jobs. We're about creating jobs," Pastore
said, noting that Connecticut is the lowest in the nation for new job
creation.
Last year, between 600 and 700 women took advantage of the WBDC's
resources and networking. Since January 1st of this year, the organization
has received 300 new inquiries. Fifty percent of those people decided to
buy the $60 membership.
There are two main advantages of being a WBDC member, according to
Pastore. The first is that members become part of the organization's large
network, and secondly, part of "one of the fastest growing organizations
for women in the country," she said. Additionally, members receive
discounts off WBDC workshops.
"What makes us different is that we focus on women," Pastore said. "We
cater to the needs of women, because women learn differently than
men."
A full calendar of events
Diane Butcaris, Fairfield resident and owner of Excelerate U., is one
entrepreneur aided by the WBDC. "I have benefited from the WBDC. They have
wonderful materials that you don't have to be a client to take advantage
of," she said. Butcaris provides coaching, facilitation, and training for
business owners and employees. Some WBDC resources she raved about are its
Web site links page and their quarterly newsletter "Success Inc."
She recommends business owners get on WBDC's mailing list. "If you're
in business, you want to get their newsletter," Butcaris said. "It
provides very handy information, such as recent research about business
trends and how local markets might be affected."
The WBDC has several workshops and programs scheduled for this spring.
However, the event Pastore is "most excited about" is the Enterpri$ing
Women Conference and Marketplace that will take place Wednesday, May 24
from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will be held on the East Campus of
Norwalk Community College and will feature breakfast, keynote speakers,
and workshops. Cost of the Conference is $25, but scholarships are
available.
Workshops will include "Personal Finance" and "Building Your Small
Business." According to a statement from WBDC, topics to be discussed are
successful strategies for personal money management and long term
planning, as well as a broad range of personal, professional and small
business financial issues that women face daily.
"The whole conference is about women and money - earning, saving and
investing it," Pastore said.
Keynote speakers include Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier
and A'Lelia Bundles, Author of "On Her Own Ground - The Life and Times of
Madam C.J. Walker."
The conference is a first for WBDC. "We're doing it because the state
treasurer asked us to," Pastore said, adding that one of Nappier's goals
is financial literacy for women.
The conference will also include the MarketPlace, where attendees can
shop, sample, network and support more than 30 local women owned
businesses. This portion of the event is free and open to the public. A
variety of services and products will be for sale, such as food, natural
skin care products, jewelry, makeup, and leadership coaching. Among the
businesses represented are three from Fairfield and four from
Westport.
One of the businesses that will be represented at the MarketPlace is
Fairfield based Excelerate U. Among the owner's offerings will be some
complimentary services: a business checkup, time management assessment
with a customized solution, and for a group of six or more, a session on
understanding and using your strengths (there will be a cost for materials
only).
Another local business, Westport based Jane Pollak Inc., will also be
at the MarketPlace. Pollak, whose artwork has appeared on The Today Show,
said she is "thrilled" about the Enterprising Women Conference. "I feel
excited and ready to meet as many people as I can." Pollak was originally
in business as an artist. Today, she coaches other artists how to market
and sell their work. Her tagline is "Leading remarkable women to uncommon
success."
Among the WBDC's other upcoming events (registration required unless
noted otherwise):
* Business Information Session, May 16 (Stamford Government Center) and
June 1 (Norwalk Community College). This workshop is for those in
business, thinking about starting a business or searching for employment.
Learn how to benefit from WBDC's programs and services and find out about
its extensive network of local, state and national resources. Receive an
orientation and assessment for developing a plan of action. All BIS's are
from 5:30-7 p.m. No charge.
* Walk in and Talk! June 6, 7 nd 8 at the Bridgeport Regional Business
Council. Stop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and talk with a
WBDC staff member. Discuss your small business ideas or your professional
development questions with a WBDC staff member. No charge. No reservations
needed, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
* Exploring Entrepreneurship. May 20 - Dress For Success, Fairfield ,
35 Brentood Avenue, June 14 - WBDC Norwalk Community College, West Campus,
Room 248. Information about what it takes to have your own business.
* Intellectual Property - What is It? Stamford, June 6 and 13, 6-8
p.m., University of Bridgeport. Learn the basics about intellectual
property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade
secrets. WBDC Members $15; Nonmembers $25.
For more information on the WBDC, long onto www.ctwbdc.org or call
203-353-1084.
