During the three-day intensive training series Latina business owners will:
-Hear from top Latino business and community leaders
-Engage and network with fellow entrepreneurs
-Develop a twelve-month action plan that will incorporate business strategies, a commitment to volunteer with non-profit organizations and an on-going focus on entrepreneurial training, marketing and financial growth.
What is the cost?
$300.00 The LEAD program is valued at $1,500, includes curriculum, meals, room and board (based on double occupancy) for the 3-day training series. A $1,200 award will be granted towards program cost to all accepted participants, single rooms may be requested for an additional fee.
What is the Criteria to Apply?
Latina business owners who have been in business for 2+ years, with 2+ employees who either want to get to the next level of success or have hit a stand-still in their business growth and are seeking guidance on how to move their business forward.
After completion of the three-day retreat, cohort participants will implement their strategic action plan by participating in WBDC's entrepreneurial programs and utilizing services. They will also begin volunteering at their identified non-profit of choice. Participants will also meet on a quarterly basis for half-day sessions.
In addition to the quarterly follow-up sessions, cohort members will celebrate with a graduation ceremony at the end of month twelve. Participants will have the option to serve as mentors to future WBDC Latina entrepreneurs and leverage acquired relationship in the community and with the WBDC.
For the first time ever in the Chicago area, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) recently launched a leadership and entrepreneurial comprehensive training program for Latina business owners. Focused on four key areas – leadership, mentoring, volunteerism and strategic business planning – the Latina Accelerated Development (LEAD) Program kicked off February 11 with a three-day opening retreat to build peer-to-peer connections and set the stage for the 12-month program.
Participation was limited to 25 Latina business owners headquartered in Illinois who have at least two employees and have been in operation for two years or more. Funded through Discover Financial and UPS, the program will be offered two to three times throughout 2015. To learn more, please visit our website at www.WBDC.org.
Latina
Entrepreneurial
Accelerated
Development (LEAD)
Program