Setting the right goals and executing them can get you on track and ignite your business growth. Seems simple, but why is it so hard? In this class, you’ll learn the tools and strategies you need to stop running in a million different directions and focus on the work that drives your business forward. Join Joy Braddock, WBDC Business Advisor, to get ready to take control of your business and make it your most productive year yet!
Learn how to:
Assess your business to discover the goals that will truly support your mission and bottom line Create action plans that prioritize, measure and break goals down into achievable steps Implement realistic goal tracking to keep yourself accountable Improve focus, eliminate distractions and maintain a state of flow to complete deep work Get more done in less time and bring balance back to your life Instructor Bio:
Joy brings with her almost a decade of experience as a small business owner, and over 20 years’ experience in marketing and advertising.As the co-owner of a local CT brewery, she understands the passion, drive and perseverance needed to start and run a small business.Joy’s deepest passion is empowering women to take on business ownership and flourish. Joy is the co-founder and President of the Bombshell Project, a non-profit on a mission to help women enter and lead in the male-dominated craft brewing industry.

The Business Planning for Food-Preneurs (BPF) is designed to help plan, expand and grow your food business. With the training, business plan, networking, and access to resources, the food-preneur will create plans to effectively start and scale their business. This program is seeking food entrepreneurs who have recently launched and started to sell their products (such as a food truck, catering company, or food product line).Each of the highly interactive 9 sessions focus on a critical aspect of business development, including marketing, sales, and finance. Included in the course is an opportunity to apply for the Launch Pad Grant for $2500 and 1-on-1 mentoring.Accepted applicants receive a 6-month subscription to LivePlan, the world’s leading business plan writing software (a $240 value)
This program is exclusively for Food-Preneurs who have:
Been registered in business less than 2 years Sold their products to the public Must have an established business with a record of sales. A cottage food license, are using a commercial kitchen, own a food truck or run a restaurant or catering business A willingness to accept constructive feedback Commitment:This program is intensive with 9 sessions, 2 hour sessions once a week. Participating requires you to complete your business plan during the term of the class including all aspects of your business, in particular pricing, financials and projections. It is best to start your plan sooner so you can get the most out of the class. New ideas, thoughts and discussion are only between you and your fellow cohort members. Confidential information will not be shared with others.
Class Dates:Tuesdays,March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 7,14 21, 28 Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm -On Zoom *April 21st – In Person – Food Advising and Networking (Time – TBD) Application Deadline: February 13th Fee: $299Reduced fee: $199*Reduced-fee scholarships are available to those who qualify based on income guidelines.PLEASE NOTE: Acceptance into the program does not guarantee registration. Registration is first come, first served, and will not be valid until payment has been received by WBDC.Class size is limited; applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.A WBDC Business Advisor will be in contact with you to arrange an assessment interview prior to admittance to the course.Client Requirements
•A willingness to accept constructive feedback
• Must submit a completed application and participate in an assessment interview with a Business Advisor.
• Must be willing to actively participate in the program, including being fully present for each of the 2-hour sessions and completing all necessary assignments and homework. Cameras must be on at all times.
Please complete the application.

Join our in-person Small Business Mastermind in Stamford! Connect with fellow entrepreneurs in small, focused discussion groups designed to help you grow your business. In this supportive setting, you’ll tackle challenges, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate wins together. You’ll leave each session with practical insights and strategies tailored to your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this mastermind will help you overcome obstacles and build a powerful network. Let’s unlock your potential!
Advanced registration is required. Limited capacity.

This is program is designed for Waterbury residents and Waterbury base businesses
Waterbury Fast Track is a hands-on workshop series that helps small businesses apply confidently for the $10K Waterbury Municipal Grant. In five one-hour sessions, you’ll learn how to tell your business story, organize your documents, and create simple financial projections to apply for the grant!
March Track – Thursdays Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 5
5:00pm – 6:00pm
On Zoom (this link will be sent before the class)
No Fee
Grant Application is Due on 3/15/2026
Application

This course is designed strictly for aspiring entrepreneurs that are in the pre-venture stage.
Gain a clear understanding of business building fundamentals and emerge from this class with a solid blueprint firmly in hand. Turn your business idea into a well thought-out road map for your venture. This 8-session course is taught virtually by industry experts in a dynamic peer-to-peer environment and is supported by online tools and decision worksheets to guide you every step of the way.
Tuesdays and Thursdays February 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Application Due Date: Friday, January 23rd
Prerequisites:
Be committed to only one business idea that you plan to develop. Able to attend all sessions. Eligible BCC graduates who complete the course and furnish a completed business plan are invited to apply for the WBDC Launch Pad Grant*. This offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant for start-up costs.​ Applicants must complete an application and participate in a pitch competition. A panel of judges determines grant awardees. More details and eligibility requirements can be found here:LaunchPad Grant Program
Fee:$149 – Regular
*Reduced fee scholarship is available(Household size and Income must be shared)
Apply Here!!!

GPS: AGuide toPlan forSuccess is WBDC’s comprehensive business plan writing course, designed for entrepreneurs with a single, concrete business idea who are looking for instruction, support, and expert advice while building a business plan. Each of the highly interactive 9 sessions focus on a critical aspect of business development, including marketing, sales, and finance. Included in the course is the Business Advisory Event, which provides an opportunity for you to pitch your business concept to an array of business professionals and receive customized feedback about how to move forward.
Accepted applicants receive a 6-month subscription to LivePlan, the world’s leading business plan writing software (a $240 value).
Eligible GPS graduates who complete the course and furnish a completed business plan are invited to apply for the WBDC Launch Pad Grant*. This offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant for start-up costs.​ More details and eligibility requirements can be found here: LaunchPad Grant Program
Tuesdays, 5:00 – 7:00pm February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 WBDC Virtual Classroom
Fee: $299** Application Required-Apply by Tuesday, January 20th Class size is limited; applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
A WBDC Business Advisor contact you to arrange an assessment interview prior to admittance to the course. APPLY HERE:Guide to Plan for Success (GPS) Application
Client Requirements
Must have a single, concrete business concept or be an established business with a record of sales. Must submit a completed application and participate in an assessment interview with a WBDC Business Advisor. Must be willing to actively participate in the program, including being fully present for each of the 2-hour sessions and completing all necessary assignments and homework. *WBDC’s LaunchPad Grant is not available for child care providers. Child care providers graduating from GPS, however, may be eligible for our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants.
**Reduced-fee scholarships of up to 50% off are available to those who qualify based on income guidelines. Apply within the application.
APPLY HERE:Guide to Plan for Success (GPS) Application

¿Apenas estás comenzando o acabas de abrir tu negocio de cuidado en cuidado infantil y aún estás definiendo tus tarifas o buscando financiamiento? ¡No estás sola!
Comienza con Fuerza : Construyendo un Negocio Sostenible de Cuidado Infantil Familiar es un curso de 5 semanas diseñado especialmente para proveedoras nuevas o recientemente licenciadas de Cuidado Infantil Familiar en el Hogar que llevan menos de un año en operación y están interesadas en solicitar la subvencion de inicio del WBDC.
Durante las 5 semanas, aprenderás a:
Definir tu mercado y resaltar lo que hace especial tu programa
Establecer precios que apoyen el éxito a largo plazo
Organizar tus finanzas y crear un presupuesto realista
Elaborar documentos clave y proyecciones financieras para fortalecer tu solicitud de beca
Al finalizar, contarás con un plan de negocios, un presupuesto claro y documentos financieros clave que te ayudarán a dirigir tu programa con confianza,y estar listo(a) para postular a nuestra Subvención de Inicio (Start Up Grant).
*Requisitos y expectativas*
Si te inscribes en esta clase, esto es lo que te pedimos:
Asistir a todas las sesiones
Participar activamente (¡y mantener tu cámara encendida para que podamos conectar!)
Completar todas las tareas
Al cumplir con estos puntos, recibirás un certificado de finalización, que puede contar para tus horas de desarrollo profesional.

Just getting started, or recently opened your doors, and still figuring out your rates or funding? You’re not alone!
Start Strong: Building a Sustainable Family Child Care Business is a 5-week course designed for new or recently licensed Family Home Child Care providers who’ve been in business for less than a year and are interested in applying for WBDC’s Start-Up Grant.
Over 5 weeks, you’ll learn how to:
Define your market and highlight what makes your program special Set prices that support your long-term success Organize your finances and build a realistic budget Create key documents and financial projections to strengthen your grant application By the end, you’ll have a business plan, a clear budget, and key financial documents to help you run your program with confidence, and be ready to apply for our Start Up Grant.
*Requirements and Expectations*
If you sign up for this class, here’s what we ask:
Attend all sessions Participate actively (and keep your camera on so we can connect!) Complete all homework By doing these, you’ll earn a certificate of completion, which can count toward your professional development hours.

Do you want to increase your enrollment and be sure you remain full going forward? Want to learn how engaging with your community can impact enrollment?
Join Jennifer Garciato discuss ways to engage with your community, boost enrollment, and ensure sustainability. Participants of this classwill walk away with at least ten ideas to engage with their community and increase enrollment.
Child care providers are an essential part of any community. However, many community members do not know about the important work that you do. Making the community aware is the key to making sure your business is thriving through full enrollment.

The end of the year is almost here, and we can’t wait to celebratewith you! We’re especially excited to announce our new partnership withThe People’s Place in Waterbury, who will be generously hosting this year’s celebration!
Join us for a joyful evening as we toast to our amazing Waterbury grant winners and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurs who make our community shine.
If you’re a Waterbury resident or run a Waterbury-based business, we’d love to have you there!Come mix, mingle, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs and the WBDC & TPP team. Enjoy good company, delicious food, and festive drinks as we wrap up an incredible year together.
We hope to see you there!

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic idea— it is a practical tool that small business owners can use today. This self contained session gives small business owners a simple, practical foundation for understanding AI and using it effectively.By the end of the session, you will understand not just what AI can do, but how to think about it, how to talk to it, and how to get useful results — no tech background required
This foundation will prepare you for future sessions on AI where we will dive into hands-on, business-specific applications such as marketing, customer service, content creation, and workflow automation.
Presenter Dr. Varghese “VJ” John is an accomplished technologist with a strong background in leading technology initiatives. His work as a scientist, speaker, coach and teacher focuses on making learning accessible and effective for everyone involved.

You won’t be running your business forever. Have you thought about what you’ll do when it’s time for your next chapter?
Join WBDC Business Advisor, Carol Cheswick, to explore why planning your exit strategy early can protect your investment, maximize value, and ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to move on.You’ll learn simple steps to prepare for the future and handle the unexpected. Start building a plan now to ensure your hard work pays off when it’s time to move on.

For small business owners, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. If you feel like you’ve tried every productivity hack out there and you’re still struggling to keep up, this class is for you. Learn how to finally master your time so you’re less stressed and you see real movement in your business. Rather than trying to squeeze it all in, you’ll learn how to make room for the right work, develop deep focus, and create a sustainable schedule that produces results. Join WBDC Business Advisor Joy Braddock to learn how to make the most out of the time you have.

Únase a nosotros para una sesión práctica diseñada para propietarios de pequeñas empresas. En esta clase, aprenderá a optimizar su comunicación por correo electrónico utilizando las mejores funciones de Gmail. Cubriremos todo, desde crear plantillas para comunicarse con clientes hasta programar correos electrónicos para enviarlos en el mejor momento. También descubrirá cómo usar etiquetas y marcadores para mantenerse organizado.

Ya sea que esté manejando horarios, comunicándose con clientes o gestionando a su equipo, estos trucos de Gmail le ayudarán a ahorrar tiempo y aumentar su productividad.

¿Alguna vez ha tenido problemas para usar Adobe Acrobat, guardar documentos en PDF, combinar varios documentos en un PDF o firmar documentos? O quizás necesite un repaso sobre cómo adjuntar esos documentos a un correo electrónico.Luego, únase a nosotros en esta sesión para repasar todas estas funciones, hacer sus preguntas y salir sintiéndose más seguro de cómo se involucra en los negocios.
Si se está preparando para solicitar una subvención WBDC pronto, esta clase puede ayudarlo a perfeccionar sus habilidades para reunir y enviar sus documentos.
Estas clases son fundamentales y no para usuarios de tecnología avanzada.

Have you ever struggled with using Adobe Acrobat, saving documents to PDF, combining multiple documents into one PDF, or signing documents? Or perhaps you need a refresher on how to attach those documents to an email. Then join us for this session to go over all these features, ask your questions, and walk away feeling more confident about how you engage in business.
If you are preparing to apply for a WBDC grant soon, this class can help you hone your skills to assemble and submit your documents.
Please note these classes are foundational, and not for advanced technology users.

Child Care Management Software (CCMS) helps providers to implement business practices, supporting efficient operations, budgeting, fee collection, financial reporting, and communicating with parents. Join WBDC’s Sonique Solis for an introduction to this software. Learn how it can help you save time and money in your business, and make it easier to collect payments from families. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what a CCMS is, have a better idea if it’s right for your business, and tips for picking the system that can work for you.
*This class is for program administrators (home-based and center-based) who are currently in the process of deciding whether to implement childcare management software.*

Discover how to keep your child care program strong and competitive by understanding the families you serve and the other options available to them. This class teaches child care providers how to analyze their market, uncover community needs, and evaluate local competitors. You’ll walk away with practical ideas to fill gaps in your community, highlight what makes your program special, and stay confident and competitive in your local market.

Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? This practical class will help you explore if entrepreneurship is right for you, understand what makes a business idea work, and walk through key decisions before you launch. Perfect for anyone with a spark of an idea and a desire to turn it into something real.

New to the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)?
Have you used our services but want to know what else we can help with?
Come learn about the resources we offer to small businesses – most of which are offered at no cost. Join WBDC’s Taylor Bergeron and Sonique Solis to find out how to get started. We have something for individuals at all stages of business – entrepreneurial and financial education services, grants, promotional and community-building opportunities, and much more! Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, are looking to expand your business skills, or are ready to scale, WBDC can help drive your success in a tangible and accessible way.

New to the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)?
Have you used our services but want to know what else we can help with?
Come learn about the resources we offer to small businesses – most of which are offered at no cost. Join WBDC’s Taylor Bergeron and Sonique Solis to find out how to get started. We have something for individuals at all stages of business – entrepreneurial and financial education services, grants, promotional and community-building opportunities, and much more! Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, are looking to expand your business skills, or are ready to scale, WBDC can help drive your success in a tangible and accessible way.

New to the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)?
Have you used our services but want to know what else we can help with?
Come learn about the resources we offer to small businesses – most of which are offered at no cost. Join WBDC’s Taylor Bergeron and Sonique Solis to find out how to get started. We have something for individuals at all stages of business – entrepreneurial and financial education services, grants, promotional and community-building opportunities, and much more! Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, are looking to expand your business skills, or are ready to scale, WBDC can help drive your success in a tangible and accessible way.

If you work with independent contractors or freelancers, you may be required to submit 1099s for to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Revenue Services by January 31. The 1099 form is used to report income that is paid by your company for services performed by a person or business who is not your W-2 employee.
Do you have a question about submitting your 1099s?
During this hour, a WBDC Business Advisor will be available to answer your questions and help you get prepared.

Do you work with independent contactors or freelancers?
If so, you may be required to submit 1099s for to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Revenue Services by January 31.The 1099 form is used to report income that is paid by your company for services performed by a person or business who is not your W-2 employee.
Join WBDC Business Advisor Sherry Konwerski for helpful tips and suggestions to get you prepared.
Topics include:
Who are you required to submit a 1099 for? What form do you given them, 1099-MIS, 1099-NEC, or ? When are the forms due? How do I create them?

Join Sherry Konwerski, WBDC Business Advisor and QuickBooks Pro Advisor, for a general overview of QuickBooks Online. Learn the basic features and functionality of this tool and determine if it is the best solution for your needs. This class is recommended for those who aren’t familiar with bookkeeping or accounting

The first quarter of the year is typically when tax season preparation heats up for businesses. There is paperwork to be organized, with the goal of creating a return that is accurate and doesn’t hold any financial surprises for your business. Join Sarah Watson, CPA, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, to get some quick tips to help you prepare and stay on top of the paperwork that comes in fast and furious in the early part of the year.

Have questions about QuickBooks Online? Join Sherry Konwerski, Business Advisor and Certified QuickBooks Pro, for an open office hour session where you can get real-time answers and support. Whether you’re just getting started or need help with specific features, this is a great opportunity to learn simple, effective techniques to better manage your business finances. Drop in with your questions and leave with greater confidence in using QuickBooks Online.

Join Sherry Konwerski, WBDC Business Advisor and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, for a 3-part hands-on course to learn how to manage your business finances with QuickBooks. In this series, you’ll learn a broad range of bookkeeping functions, from setting up QuickBooks, to handling money in/money out, banking, payroll, and much more. If you’ve decided to use Quickbooks Online to manage your business finances but need help getting started, this class is for you!
This series is designed for business owners with 1+ years of sales. You must have a QuickBooks Online account to attend this class. A trial account is sufficient.

La temporada de impuestos ya está aquí. ¿Estás listo? Únase a la profesional de impuestos, Nathali Ocampo, para explorar consejos y estrategias fiscales para ayudar a su negocio de cuidado infantil familiar.
Aumente su confianza general en el manejo de asuntos relacionados con impuestos para su negocio de cuidado infantil Ahorre tiempo y dinero entendiendo cómo maximizar las deducciones y los créditos Aprenda a organizar recibos y generar finanzas para su profesional de impuestos. Descripción general de los formularios de impuestos comunes, incluido el Formulario 8829

One of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of running a successful business is understanding how and when to pay yourself. In this practical and engaging class, we’ll break down the different ways business owners can legally and effectively pay themselves based on business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S Corp, etc.). You’ll learn the importance of setting a salary, how to separate personal and business finances, and what to consider when budgeting for your own paycheck. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to compensate yourself in a way that supports both your personal financial goals and your business growth.
Key Takeaways:
The best way to pay yourself based on your business type Understanding owner’s draw vs. salary How to calculate a sustainable and fair payment Tax considerations and recordkeeping best practices Tools and strategies for maintaining healthy business cash flow

Do you work with independent contactors or freelancers?
If so, you may be required to submit 1099s for to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Revenue Services by January 31.The 1099 form is used to report income that is paid by your company for services performed by a person or business who is not your W-2 employee.
Join WBDC Access to Capital Business Advisor, Tanya Kelley for helpful tips and suggestions to get you prepared.
Topics include:
Who are you required to submit a 1099 for? What form do you given them, 1099-MIS, 1099-NEC, or ? When are the forms due? How do I create them?

Whether you are in an idea stage, startup or established business owner, your personalfinances will never go away. Banking, budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and investing are the pillars that support most of the financial decisions that we’ll make in our lives. This class will cover a range of topics including how to setupa budget, reduce credit card debt, and develop a retirement savings plan. Join WBDC Access to Capital Business Advisor, Tanya Kelley to learn sometips to support your personal finances.

Course Overview
Gain a comprehensive understanding of marketing and the tools to develop a strategic marketing plan. This interactive 7-session course is for business owners looking for instruction, support, and expert advice on marketing principles and the ability to put them into action. The course culminates with a peer-to-peer review session giving you access to a live focus group and actionable feedback. You will leave this course with a comprehensive marketing plan and tactics which you can put in place immediately to help grow your business.
The program is led by knowledgeable WBDC Business Advisors who provide resources, support, and motivation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools that can help bring your business to the next level!
Fee: $149*Application Required-Apply by March 19th
ApplyHERE
A WBDC Business Advisor will be in contact with you to arrange an assessment interview prior to admittance to the course

Course Schedule
Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMApril 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14
Sessions/Topics
Session 1 – April 2: Why is a Marketing Plan Critical for Your Business Session 2 – April 9: Knowing Your Competitors Session 3 – April 16 Target Markets, Market Research, and Measuring Success Session 4 – April 23: Your Brand, Your Message and How to Share It Session 5 – April 30: Setting your Marketing Goals Session 6 – May 7: Aligning strategies to support your goals (breakout rooms) Session 7 – May 14: Implementing your Plan Marketing Plan due by: May 28 (there are no extensions granted if you are looking to apply for the LaunchPad grant).
Prerequisites:
Been in business for at least 6 months and have a record of sales Actively engaged in marketing activities for your business prior to starting the course Have the ability and commitment to take personal ownership of the marketing responsibilities for your business Willing to fully participate in the program, including attending the sessions and completing all necessary assignments and homework *Reduced-fee scholarships are available to those who qualify based on income guidelines.

Course Description: This one-hour class will guide small business startups to clearly define their competitive advantage using a powerful UVP statement framework preferred by WBDC’s Marketing Advisor, Joy Braddock. You’ll learn to:
Define Your Audience & Problem: Pinpoint your target customer and articulate their most pressing pain point or need, which forms the vital starting point of any powerful value proposition.
Articulate Your Core Solution: Learn to concisely state what your product or service is and the key result or benefit it delivers to your customer, moving beyond features and focusing purely on value.
The Value of Understanding your Value: We will break down the strategic fill-in-the-blank UVP frameworkproviding you with the steps to craft a statement that will save you time when writing marketing copy and key messaging giving you the tools and understanding for how to clearly stand out from your competitors.
Instructor Bio:
As the Marketing Business Advisor at WBDC, Joy Braddock combines 20+ years of marketing and advertising expertise with the grit of a former small business owner. Having spent nearly a decade co-running a local craft brewery in Hartford, she understands the passion and perseverance required to succeed.
Joy’s mission is to help business owners who feel overwhelmed or frustrated because “nothing is working.” She partners with clients to build actionable marketing strategies—covering everything from websites to email campaigns—that are rooted in real-world experience and designed to drive growth.
When she’s not advising, you can find her organizing her junk drawer and searching for the best ice cream in Connecticut!

Feeling stuck with a marketing issue? Have a quick marketing related question that doesn’t require a full hour appointment? Introducing the Joy of Marketing Drop-in Office hour –to be held periodically with Joy Braddock, WBDC’s Marketing Business Advisor. Joy will be available to answer your quick questions and point you in the right direction when you’re feeling stuck.
This meeting is dedicated to questions related to your website… bring your questions and issues. NOTE: if its a tricky tech issue, we recommend you work with your provider to troubleshoot.

Want to learn how to create easy and meaningful content for your social media platforms? Join WBDC’s Terri Piekara, Social Media Business adviser for a 1/2 day workshop to walk you through the step-by-step process complete with content writing, starting with your “hook,” media creation, and basic editing all from your smartphone! This class has a $40 fee.
Instructor Bio:
Terri Piekara is a social media consultant, Instagram strategist and podcaster who believes deeply in the Three C’s – Communication, Connection and Community. She guides solopreneurs and small business owners to speak authentically about themselves and their businesses through social media.
Social media and social audio are, above all else, social and are most powerful when real conversations are happening. When business owners show up on their social platforms consistently, with value and authenticity, they build their brands, attract new followers, and grow sales.
Terri has a BS degree from Syracuse University. Before joining WBDC, she worked in the airline, retail and small business industries.
When she is not deep diving the latest social platform, Terri can be found listening to podcasts while walking her dog and drinking good coffee.

Course Description:
Struggling to manage your business while also marketing it? In this one-hour presentation, you will learn how to apply the key aspects of marketing. Following a renowned framework called the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), we’ll help you to ensuring a holistic approach to your marketing planning & strategy development. By examining these elements upfront, you’ll learn the importance of the interaction of:
your product/service, target market, competitive landscape, and promotional opportunities to lay out a plan for the next quarter, 6 mos or upcoming year.
Instructor Bio:Joy Braddock brings with her a decade of experience as a small business owner, and over 20 years’ experience in marketing and advertising. As the co-founder of a local brewery, she understands the passion, drive and perseverance needed to start and run a small business. Joy is the co-founder and President of the Bombshell Project, a non-profit on a mission to help women enter and lead in the male-dominated craft brewing industry. Note: time is 11am!

Course Description:Join WBDC’s Marketing Adviser, Joy Braddock, In this engaging one-hour class as you explore pricing strategiesto help you optimize profits while staying competitive. You’ll learn how to choose the right approach for your business and customer, giving you hands-on experience with calculating the point at which your business covers all costs. By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to set prices that balance profitability and customer appeal. Note: this class will largely focus on service-based businesses.
Instructor Bio:As the Marketing Business Advisor at WBDC, Joy Braddock combines 20+ years of marketing and advertising expertise with the grit of a former small business owner. Having spent nearly a decade co-running a local craft brewery in Hartford, she understands the passion and perseverance required to succeed.
Joy’s mission is to help business owners who feel overwhelmed or frustrated because “nothing is working.” She partners with clients to build actionable marketing strategies—covering everything from websites to email campaigns—that are rooted in real-world experience and designed to drive growth.When she’s not advising, you can find her organizing her junk drawer and searching for the best ice cream in Connecticut!

Join WBDC to meet and mingle with fellow entrepreneurs and WBDC team members. We’ll provide light snacks and coffee – additional food and specialty drinks will be available for purchase.Meet us at Mothership Cafe in Danburyfor delicious food and the opportunity to connect in person to share ideas and inspiration with fellow community members.

New to the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)?
Have you used our services but want to know what else we can help with?
Come learn about the resources we offer to small businesses – most of which are offered at no cost. Join WBDC’s Taylor Bergeron and Sonique Solis to find out how to get started. We have something for individuals at all stages of business – entrepreneurial and financial education services, grants, promotional and community-building opportunities, and much more! Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, are looking to expand your business skills, or are ready to scale, WBDC can help drive your success in a tangible and accessible way.

Do you know how well your business has been performing this year?Peek under the hood of your business with WBDC Business Advisor and Financial expert, Tanya Kelley, as she reviews strategies to help gauge the health of your business and focus on reaching your financial business goals for thenewyear.
This class is designed for business owners operating for at least 1 year, that have the followingfinancial reports:
2025 Balance Sheet 2025 Income Statement 2025 Budget to Actuals Report (Optional) If you have only one of these documents, such as yourIncome Statement, we still encourage you to attend.
If you have questionssurrounding how to generate any of these financials, we encourage you to contact us to get started with a Business Advisor instead.

Have questions about QuickBooks Online? Join Tanya Kelley, Business Advisor and Certified QuickBooks Pro, for an open office hour session where you can get real-time answers and support. Whether you’re just getting started or need help with specific features, this is a great opportunity to learn simple, effective techniques to better manage your business finances. Drop in with your questions and leave with greater confidence in using QuickBooks Online.

Fast-track your QBO expertise— one class, two hours, zero stress.
ThisQuickBooks Online Refresher Classis for small business owners who haveactively used QuickBooks Online (QBO) within the last six monthsand have completed all of the following
Purchased an active QBO subscription (any plan) Successfully linked your bank and/or credit card accounts to QBO. Categorized at least one or two transactions in QBO. Join Tanya Kelley, WBDC Business Advisor, for a QuickBooks refresher to brush up on the steps you may have overlooked.In this hands-on session, we’ll cover how to:
Record sales and receive payments
Categorize expenses accurately
Generate essential financial reports
Reconcile bank and credit card accounts

Have questions about QuickBooks Online? Join Tanya Kelley, Business Advisor and Certified QuickBooks Pro, for an open office hour session where you can get real-time answers and support. Whether you’re just getting started or need help with specific features, this is a great opportunity to learn simple, effective techniques to better manage your business finances. Drop in with your questions and leave with greater confidence in using QuickBooks Online.

Course Description:This course will provide small business owners with a review of AI as an effective “human-in-the-loop” co-pilot, focusing on the four pillars of AI navigation for productivity quick wins. The core focus will then shift to mastering the art of brand voice, demonstrating practical techniques for creating tone guides and ensuring AI-generated content sounds authentic, engaging, and indistinguishable from your unique business identity. You will leave with actionable Dos and Don’ts and storytelling strategies to make your AI assistant a powerful extension of your distinct brand.
Instructor Bio:An empathetic and passionate professional, Kristy Tupper coaches businesses in defining their why and in how to grow a business by design instead of by default. She brings innovative ideas to business strategy and development by drawing on her design thinking, management, leadership and go-to-market background. She has 25+ years of experience in the healthcare technology strategy and product creation and go-to-market, serves on the Board of Directors of both FreshConnections for Women and The Auxiliary of L + M Hospital and volunteers as a coach and mentor with the Women’s Business Development Council.

Do you have a question about applying for a business loan? Join Samantha Cross and Tanya Kelley, WBDC’s Access To Capital Advisors to get your questions answered and discover your business loan options. You can stay for the whole time or only a few minutes. We’re here for you!

Do you have a question about applying for a business loan? Join Samantha Cross and Tanya Kelley, WBDC’s Access To Capital Advisors to get your questions answered and discover your business loan options. You can stay for the whole time or only a few minutes. We’re here for you!

Do you have a question about applying for a business loan? Join Samantha Cross and Tanya Kelley, WBDC’s Access To Capital Advisors to get your questions answered and discover your business loan options. You can stay for the whole time or only a few minutes. We’re here for you!

Discover a simple four-part formula to pitch your business with clarity and impact. In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn how to grab attention, highlight your unique value, show a clear path to success, and inspire with your vision—giving you the tools to impress investors, partners, and clients.
Instructor Bio:
As the Marketing Business Advisor at WBDC, Joy Braddock combines 20+ years of marketing and advertising expertise with the grit of a former small business owner. Having spent nearly a decade co-running a local craft brewery in Hartford, she understands the passion and perseverance required to succeed.Joy’s mission is to help business owners who feel overwhelmed or frustrated because “nothing is working.” She partners with clients to build actionable marketing strategies—covering everything from websites to email campaigns—that are rooted in real-world experience and designed to drive growth.

Are you aMedical, Wellness, or Mental Health Professional? Do you love serving your clients but find yourself less enthusiastic about running the business side of your practice? Join Dr. Gwenn Rosenbergof New London Natural Health and Dr. Laura Blake of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) for a focusedNetworking Coffee EventatTox Brewery in New London(YES Tox serves amazing morning coffees at its Coffee Cafe starting at 7:00am!) toconnect and collaborate with fellow practitionersfrom the Southeastern CT area. Share your insights, build your referral network, and strengthen the local wellness community overall, over a warm hot latte. Come ready to ask your tough business questions! WBDC staff will be on hand to offer quick answers and insights about how we can support your operations: from 1:1 business advising sessions, trainings onaccounting/finance and marketing strategies to grant and funding opportunities—most of which are offered at no cost. Whether you’re starting a new practice, expanding your services, or ready to scale, come find your community and the resources to drive your success.Presented in collaboration between New London Natural Health and the Women’s Business Development Council of CT.

Join our Hartford Small Business Mastermind! Connect with other entrepreneurs and boost your business for the new year. In this supportive group, you’ll discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate each other’s successes. Each meeting will offer practical insights and strategies tailored to your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this mastermind will help you overcome obstacles and build a strong network. Let’s unlock your potential and get ahead for the year!

Join WBDC to meet and mingle with fellow entrepreneurs and WBDC team members. We’ll provide light snacks and coffee – additional food and specialty drinks will be available for purchase.Meet us in downtown Hartford at Hartford Healthcare, 100 Pearl Street, CT 06103for great conversations, delicious pastries, coffee and the opportunity to connect in person and share ideas and inspiration with fellow community members and entrepreneurs.

Join WBDC to meet and mingle with fellow entrepreneurs and WBDC team members. We’ll provide light snacks and coffee – additional food and specialty drinks will be available for purchase.Meet us in downtown Hartford at Hartford Healthcare, 100 Pearl Street, CT 06103for great conversations, delicious pastries, coffee and the opportunity to connect in person and share ideas and inspiration with fellow community members and entrepreneurs.