Is Business Ownership Right for You?
WEB offers programs designed to take aspiring business owners from initial concept through a detailed plan to business launch and into the expansion phase. To help ensure that WEB graduates build sustainable businesses, alumni of WEB training programs receive several months of free technical assistance; access to WEB’s state-of-the-art computer lab, and mentoring from WEB’s staff and extensive professional resource network.
With its successful, person-centered approach, intensive training and counseling, and ongoing technical assistance, WEB achieves results that exceed national averages. After three years, 71% of WEB-built businesses are thriving, compared to the national average of 56%.*
*2007 Aspen Institute Program Impact Study
To see our current schedule and locations, please click here.
Small Biz 101
In less than two hours, Small Biz 101 provides an overview of the rewards and demands of starting and operating a small business, including the risks and time commitments. Presented at no cost, Small Biz 101 also explains WEB’s services and resources that are made available to its students, graduates and members.
Right Start
RIGHT START is a multiple-week program that guides potential entrepreneurs through a structured research and evaluation process to decide whether business ownership fits their personal, professional and financial needs, goals and expectations. In the program, participants discover:
- Is my business idea do-able, achievable and sustainable over time?
- Do I have the necessary skills to do my business idea?
- Where and how do I acquire additional skills?
- What resources are available to me?
- What are the practical challenges and realistic rewards of owning a business?
- What are the next steps to starting up my business?
RAMP UP
Our twelve-week RAMP UP course offers a step-by-step process for creating and sustaining successful businesses. Participants are selected for this program. It is recommended that RAMP UP participants complete the RIGHT START program first.
RAMP UP participants:
- Refine their business concepts
- Analyze their target markets and pricing strategies
- Set realistic revenue and expense projections
- Learn business basics, including financial management, licensing and business computing
- Hear from business experts on useful topics such as legal considerations, finance, marketing and tax issues, and
- Develop a detailed business plan.
