Program to Teach Business Techniques for Female Entrepreneurs

(IEWBC) - Women looking to start a business may now apply for an intensive educational program that will teach business planning and business counseling for female entrepreneurs. The program, “It’s Your Time: An Entrepreneurial Training Series for Women,” is offered by the Inland Empire Women's Business Center, a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and sponsored by Citibank. It will offer women education, counseling and individual support to develop a workable business idea. Participants who are selected for the program must attend at least 12 workshops, will work individually with business counselors for at least two hours and will write a business plan. The cost to participate is based on income and ranges from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $130 for all program services. Three graduating participants will be selected to receive an award to help launch their new ventures. “We know there are a lot of women in the Inland Empire who have great business ideas,” said IEWBC director Nicole Kinney. “This program will help them evaluate those ideas and learn how to turn them into a viable business through education, focus, and accountability. We also find that the participants help and encourage each other, and that extra level of support can really help someone who may be struggling to complete the program requirements.” Applications for “It’s Your Time” are available at the IEWBC website and must be completed and submitted by Friday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. Program orientation for qualified participants will be held on Feb. 17. The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only. For more information, visit the IEWBC website at www.iewbc.org or contact Nicole Kinney at 909-890-1242.