General Info:
As strategic allies, the Maine SBDC and the WBC collaborate to offer training workshops, seminars, and programs tailored to women-owned businesses and others as appropriate ; promote and facilitate awareness of each other's services, and mutually seek funding opportunities to support joint projects and services for women-owned businesses through statewide programming. The Maine SBDC provides ongoing counselor training and certification to WBC counselors ; access to the Maine SBDC databases to track client activity and the interaction of WBC/Maine SBDC counselors ; access to Maine SBDC operational and training technologies and business counseling tools ; and assist, as appropriate, in the management of the WBC. The WBC furnishes training and support to the Maine SBDC on the uniqueness of women business owners and how to best assist them.Nearly half of all businesses served by the Maine SBDC are women-owned, while the WBC focuses almost entirely on women-owned businesses.The Women's Business Center ( WBC ) offers counseling and training within a full range of business issues to new and existing women business owners preferring a women-centered counselor/trainer. WBC counselors and staff are responsive and knowledgeable and understand from a woman's perspective the opportunities and obstacles faced by women business owners.The WBC helps women build their business skills by providing access to timely, accurate, tailored information within a setting that respects each woman's experience, management skills and learning style. Opportunities for networking, peer support and mentoring are also available.Administered by Coastal Enterprises Inc ( CEI ) and strategically aligned with the Maine SBDC, the benefits targeted to women served by the Women's Business Center are:Improved business skills.Ongoing support for business growth and expansion tailored to the needs of a woman-owned business.Train the Brain was founded in 2000 by Beth Stoddard MBA, licensed Brain Gym instructor/ consultant, and is headquartered in Portland. Beth serves a diverse clientele in her private practice, as well as offering training programs to educators, occupational and physical therapists, managers, caregivers, athletes, students and parents throughout the state of Maine. Beth is a member of the WBC's Maine Women Business Owners' Online Directory.