Online sessions for the YWCA’s Young Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (YWEP) begin September 28, with in person sessions beginning in both September and January. YWEP is a free, accelerated 12-day or 10-week program that features key topics related to starting a successful business, aimed at women between the ages of 18-29 who have the desire to begin their own self-employment and entrepreneurial venture. Topics include branding, business plan writing, funding your business, marketing, recruiting, social media, time management and more.
The course culminates in a business plan/pitch and grant application workshop called Start It Up! where interested participants can polish their business plans and apply for the MICROGRANT program that offers $2500 to start their new venture.
Each Start It Up! participant has the opportunity to be matched with a mentor from the local business community who will work with them for a period of 6 months to help them launch their venture.
Rachel Broadbent recently completed the program and is awaiting news on a mentor. This is what she had to say about the program:
“I have to say what an opportunity the program is and what an inspiring group of woman to be around! Annie Scott, YWCA Project Coordinator, and Marcy Hill, YWCA Facilitator, are amazing, supportive, and a wealth of knowledge. The participants are also full of passion and wonderful business ideas. I can’t wait to see the success they will create in the near future. This opportunity has not only taught me a lot about myself, challenged and diminished my fears of pursing my passion, but throughly went through the process of opening and running a new business. It would be great for any young woman who has ever though about opening her own business or would just like to learn about entrepreneurship.
“At the completion of this program there is also an opportunity to be linked up with a local mentor. She will support you for six months after completion of the YWEP program. You can ask her all of your questions and inquiries you will have when opening a new business, so you will not be left high and dry. The YWCA is incredibly supportive and their mission is to see you succeed.
I am very thankful for this opportunity and would love to pass it along to other local young Muskokan woman.”
For more information about the program and to register, visit http://www.ywcamuskoka.com/womens-programs/young-women-entrepreneurship.
0 Comments