Thanks WBDC!

WBDC helped make a difference in my life. The staff provided me with wonderful opportunities to grow and empower myself. Whenever I talk about WBDC, I become very emotional with gratitude and love for the staff and this fine organization.

My first introduction to WBDC occurred when I met Fran Pastore and she encouraged me to get serious about my idea of starting my own cleaning business and enroll in a targeted program to get me started. So I did. I was working for a cleaning company and was responsible for my family. Due to my financial status I qualified for scholarship assistance. I participated in workshops, the 10-week FastTrac class and lots of networking. In addition to scholarship support to take classes, I received counseling for legal matters, finance and marketing. Again, I only paid for what I could afford, and scholarship assistance supported the remaining costs. Without this support I know I would not have had the ability to start my own business.

I started my cleaning business, alone, three years ago and today I have four part-time employees. I have eight commercial clients including two professional buildings. WBDC taught me how to set goals and plan for continued growth and success. I have secured a new client with a 7,000 square foot operating room setting and the opportunity to expand the business to Danbury. My plan is to clean common areas in apartments, condos and co-ops. My goal is to have 13 commercial clients by the summer. I am seeking an employee/partner to oversee the business.

I have learned useful information at the various WBDC workshops I attended such as; growth only means success if managed properly - - so I am proceeding cautiously. I enjoy the challenges, education and new experiences, however I do not enjoy micro-managing (I am getting better, the book "One Minute Manager" is helping) I have the opportunity to start a business in the Caribbean; however, I have no one to oversee the business there. I have joined a trade association and am looking forward to attending seminars and networking.

My relationship with WBDC has also included a trip to Washington DC to advocate for small business and funding for development centers with Connecticut law makers. In addition, WBDC secured a feature story on my business in the business section of The Advocate ... of which I received new clients due to the story!

WBDC provided me with the tools for self-empowerment, support, ideas, encouragement and new clients from the women in the groups and the staff. I know there are many other women like myself and... ... if given financial assistance to be trained to start their own business... ...could become financially independent and make a difference.

I am always willing to do what I can for WBDC. I LOVE them!!!

Yvonne Davis
YFD Spotless Cleaning Service
yfdavis@earthlink.net