WBDC

The Leader of Entrepreneurial Training for Women in Connecticut

The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is a 501 © 3 non-profit micro-enterprise development organization whose goal is to increase economic independence for women. This is accomplished through entrepreneurial education, small business training and promotion as well as access to applicable resources and support.

WBDC Mission Statement

 WBDC helps women achieve economic self-reliance by educating and counseling them to start and grow businesses, resulting in job creation and community vitality.

The main motivation of a WBDC client is to improve their life and their family's lives. 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 by WBDC.

Although the cost of WBDC programs and services are well below the national average, many economically challenged clients cannot afford to pay for services. Women from low and moderate-income communities can especially benefit from training and technical assistance to make the mainstream business world more accessible. WBDC offers a scholarship program because it is committed to serving women who are socially and or economically disadvantaged. For a majority of these clients, having the financial assistance to benefit from a WBDC service is the first and possibly only glimmer of hope for their financial future.

What makes WBDC so unique is the outstanding line-up of instructors and counselors. WBDC programs and workshops are taught by professionals with direct experience in small business and professional development.

WBDC clients come from all walks of life:

• Women leaving public assistance
• Women leaving the corporate world
• Individuals with limited education
• Individuals holding advanced degrees
• Individuals re-entering the workforce
• Individuals entering the workforce for the first time.

"After a decade of operation, micro-enterprise programs in the U.S. are creating jobs, generating income, building assets and enhancing skills. These results are particularly impressive considering the fact that a significant proportion of assisted micro-entrepreneurs are individuals facing barriers presented by race, gender, ethnicity, income, job market fluctuations, or location. Whether the business is the sole source of family income or a crucial supplement to the family earnings, micro-enterprise development has put many low-income families on the road to self-sufficiency." Association for Enterprise Opportunity.

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