Business Development and Training Programs for Entrepreneurs
by Victor Palomino
Western Women’s Business Center introduces business development and training programs for entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina.
As a program of the statewide nonprofit and small business lender, Carolina Small Business Development Fund, the Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC) serves as a catalyst to the success of entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance capital, high quality technical assistance, and other services.
By providing a full range of services and programs, the WWBC meets the needs of women entrepreneurs facing challenges in accessing capital and resources to establish a successful business. The WWBC currently offers a business planning class, Quickbooks classes, monthly workshops and seminars on obtaining a loan.
“We are very fortunate to have business development officers on staff that lead and facilitate programs with years of experience in business programming, lending and knowledge of business client needs,” said Sharon Oxendine, WWBC Director. “This caliber of expertise allows the WWBC to offer cutting-edge programs and resources for clients interested in starting or growing their business. This support and foundation also allows clients to offset the risk of managing access to capital and making necessary changes in order to grow their business model.”
Rocket Business Planning
This workshop is a quick and intensive way to get the tools needed to write a business plan in one-week. The workshop takes place over two days, with fast-paced sessions covering topics in marketing, operations, financials, entrepreneurial role, capital funding and business planning. The class will meet every Monday and Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Because of its fast-paced nature, students are required to invest time outside of classroom sessions to receive the full benefit of the class. Workshop time is primarily for instruction and students will work in between and after sessions to shape their individual business plans. The cost of the workshop is only $50—a workbook is provided that includes worksheets and tools to assist in the business planning process.
The Rocket Business Planning workshops will be held on October 17 and 19; and November 14 and 15 at the Goodwill Career Connections Center on 1616 Patton Avenue in Asheville.
To register, please visit www.carolinasmallbusiness.org/events or contact Victor Palomino at (828) 633-5065 ext. 3, or [email protected].
Business Lending Seminar
This is a two-hour seminar offered once a month for entrepreneurs interested in applying for a business loan. The seminar will walk the participant through a loan application process. This class is being offered at no charge.
The business lending seminar will be held on October 25 from 9-11 a.m. at the Goodwill Career Connections Center on 1616 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. Click here to register for the seminar.
About the Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC)
The mission of the Western Women’s Business Center is to provide high quality technical assistance, capital and programs that reduce barriers and serve as a catalyst to the success of entrepreneurs, particularly women who are socially and economically disadvantaged, in the western region of North Carolina.
In addition to a monthly networking workshop series, the WWBC also offers business plan development, one-on-one business development counseling, and certification assistance for federal programs and referral support for business services.
About Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Carolina Small Business Development Fund provides small business loans and business services to start-ups and existing businesses in North Carolina. As a statewide nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Carolina Small Business is passionate about supporting small businesses in underserved areas.
Since 2010, Carolina Small Business has invested more than $32 million through 449 loans to small businesses across North Carolina helping to create or retain more than 1,018 jobs. For more information, visit www.carolinasmallbusiness.org.
