Training Events

New Year, New You, New Business with Small Business Administration (SBA)

From Resolution to Execution: Launch Strong in 2026

Time to put your Business Plan to Work. Learn about different types of business entities and how to start the business that best fits you. Learn the pros and cons of being small business ownership and the endless possibilities to succeed!

Join weVENTURE Women's Business Center for a Strong Coffee Strong Women purposeful networking event. Enjoy delicious coffee with other ambitious women in our network at the beautiful Cypress Bank & Trust in Melbourne. Let us fill your cup with coffee and inspiration!  

This event will feature weVENTURE Women's Business Center's Executive Director, Kathryn Rudloff's 'Enough of the “work–life balance” debate. Let’s reduce conflict and achieve Equilibrium.'

The headlines are loud: a 22-year-old entrepreneur in the Wall Street Journal says “work-life balance will keep you mediocre,” while coverage of the “996” grind (9 a.m.–9 p.m., six days a week) is making the rounds in tech circles.

When billionaires talk about “work-life conflict,” it usually doesn’t involve choosing between groceries or rent because childcare costs are crushing the monthly budget.

We don’t have to pick between burnout and mediocrity. And we shouldn’t pretend work-life conflict is an individual character flaw to be hacked with personal grit. Instead, we should design social and workplace policies for Equilibrium: a stable state where competing priorities coexist with less friction, so people can channel their finite time and energy with intention.

Come learn how policy and business practices can better align with how people actually live and work. Kathryn will share her Seven Strategies to Embrace Equilibrium: Own Your Reality, Establish Boundaries, Manage Expectations, Embrace Seasons of Life, Communicate Your Reality, Self-Care for Endurance, and Celebrate Success.

Agenda:

8:30-9:00AM Networking and Coffee

9:00AM Welcome Remarks

9:15-10:00AM Presentation

10:00 - 10:30 Networking

 Cost: $15 includes strong coffee and light breakfast! Register now.

Learn how to overcome anxiety in networking and sales situations by learning how to leverage the principles of improv to respond confidently and make positive connections.

Learn how to apply the rules of improv to energize your sales meetings—and become more confident at networking events.

Improv “rules” can help train you to approach every conversation as a positive opportunity to engage with others.

For example,

• Rule #1: Say "YES, AND" ... learn how to further the conversation.
• Rule #2: Build up, don't block conversations. Foster positive interactions!  
• Rule #3: There Are No Wrong Answers. Learn to make the best out of any conversation!
• Rule #4: Make Space For Everyone to Participate. Learn to really engage with new contacts and have meaningful interactions

Anybody interested in improving their communication skills or becoming more comfortable at networking is welcome to register.

A class for the reluctant networker!

Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited to 15 attendees. This is a FREE event!

Led and hosted by Kelly Swartz of Widerman Malek and Funky Dog Improv. This informal training will be located at the Widerman Malek office, 1990 W New Haven Ave #105, Melbourne, FL 32904.

Meet Your BAIL Team Event! Free to register.

Every business owner needs to have a working relationship with a Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, and Lawyer. Join weVENTURE WBC on February 3rd and meet with local community partners who are all here to support you!  This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with individuals so you can find the right BAIL team to meet your needs.

The event will feature networking with local BAIL businesses as well as two panel discussions at 9am and 10:15am.  The first panel will focus on best practices for financial management of your business and an opportunity to bring your finance and accounting questions to our panel of experts.  The second session will be a panel of attorneys and insurance agents who will review key considerations to proactively protect your business and help answer your questions!  This is an amazing opportunity to get professional advice and build relationship with local professionals who want to help YOU succeed! 

If you don't have a BAIL team yet, you won't want to miss this one-stop-shop opportunity to build your team! 

8:30 AM - Doors open, networking and coffee.

8:50 AM - Welcome remarks, sponsor recognition.

9:00 AM - Networking continues in Exhibit Hall; breakout session 

9:45 AM -  Each of the vendors will have an opportunity to introduce themselves. Quick 1-2 minute intros. 

10:15AM - Networking continues in Exhibit Hall; Breakout session 

11:00 AM - 30 Minute Presentation

11:30 AM - Event concludes, networking and table visits.

Meet other regional support programs, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE. This is a great chance to meet your business coach or advisor in person.  

Confirmed BAIL Team participants (continuously updating):

BANKERS:

TD Bank

Fifth Third - Team Builder Sponsor

ACCOUNTANTS:

Symplifi Accounting - Team Builder Sponsor

Flavin, Nooney & Person CPA

INSURANCE AGENTS:

One Group

Angel's Edge Financial

LAWYERS:

Widerman Malek - Leadership Sponsor

Slonim Law - Team Builder Sponsor

Hattaway Law

Event Sponsorships are now available!

Leadership Level (3 of 4 remaining) - $500

 -Table placement in front lobby

 -Preferred Panelist / speaker opportunity

 -Social media shoutout

 -Logo on all event promotions

 -Office hours opportunity

 Team Builder Level - $250

 -Preferred table placement in main room

 -Panelist opportunity

 -Logo on all event promotions

 -Office hours opportunity

Do you have a great business idea but no idea where to start?

weVENTURE has what you need!

The IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concept into a successful business. The program includes 4 weeks of intensive coaching and support. With this dual-focused strategy, you get the information you need along with the support you want to help turn your ideas into a reality and launch your start-up with greater success!  Led by weVENTURE WBC staff and featuring presentations from local subject matter experts, this is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs who want to be able to ask questions, talk through challenges and benefit from deadlines and accountability support. 

Dates:  February 7, 14, 21 & 28 8:30am - 10:30am

Location: 2/7 in-person, 2/14, 21, 28 online (in-person is at weVENTURE)

The Pathways Program covers the fundamentals of business development, from business planning and strategy development to financial management and marketing. Participants receive live instruction, take-home resources, one-on-one business coaching, access to industry experts, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs to journey along with.

So if you're ready to take your business concept to the next level, register for the IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program today. You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to turn your dreams into a thriving business.

Program size is limited. Talk to your weVENTURE WBC Business Coach today!

Your Cost: $50 (Program is $100 and partially funded thanks to Bank of America!)

Federal Government Contracting with Small Business Administration (SBA)

How do I get started with Government Contracting? Is this right for me and my business? What is the difference between commercial contracting and government contracting? What is a contract? How are “set-aside” contracts and goals determined? In this course, participants will learn the basic ins and outs about how the government buys goods and services. Participants will also be introduced to important websites, and external agencies such as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Marketing to the government will also be discussed.

Also, learn about women-owned business certification best practices.

weVENTURE WBC is proud to partner with the ATHENA Leadership Institute for a tenth year! Today, the ATHENA Leadership Model® can help women transform their leadership skills and empower them to step up during these times of economic turmoil, and a worldwide movement for economic and racial justice, to be the leaders we need them to be. 

Based on the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ identified by ATHENA International, this course is designed to help emerging female leaders grow in confidence and clarity of purpose. Each class session is a dedicated deep dive into one of the principles with engaging discussion and activities that cultivate women on their personal growth journey while inspiring them to connect and share with others. 

LIVE AUTHENTICALLY -  LEARN CONSTANTLY  - BUILD RELATIONSHIPS - FOSTER COLLABORATION -  ACT COURAGEOUSLY  - ADVOCATE FIERCELY  -  GIVE BACK - CELEBRATE

Now more than ever, businesses are looking for tangible ways to diversify their workforce and equip emerging leaders with the tools they need to rise into management roles.  Traditional leadership development is focused on teaching people management. However, we know management is very different than true leadership. Management-focused programs don’t teach individuals how to foster personal growth and development in themselves and others, or walk them through the process of self-discovery. ATHENA bridges this crucial gap.

Sponsoring an emerging leader from your business is a great way to invest in her career development and connect her to the weVENTURE WBC and ATHENA International network of women. This provides supplemental ongoing  enrichment opportunities during and after participants in the ATHENA Leadership Program learn core curriculum competencies. 

The ATHENA Leadership Program is designed to create stronger female leaders. Join a dynamic cohort of women from across all industries as we study the 8 principles of ATHENA leadership.  This program is an inspiring and uplifting series that will motivate you to connect, share and grow.

8 Month program, meets one time per month on the 4th Thursday of the month. Also includes registration fee for 2026 IMPACT Summit, October 1, 2026.

2026 dates: Apr. 23; May 28; Jun. 25; Jul. 23; Aug. 27; Sep. 24; Oct. 22 and Nov. 19.

All sessions are from 8:30am-10:30am at Florida Tech's Enterprise Building, 1050 W. Nasa Blvd, Melbourne. Breakfast and networking available at 8:00am. 

Scholarship opportunities are available.  To apply, please email weventure@fit.edu.  If you are interested in sponsoring a woman through ATHENA, or sponsoring the program, email krudloff@fit.edu to discuss how your business can help bring this fantastic program to local women. 

Cost:  $1000  - Discount for $100 OFF available up to one month before first session date.

Do you have a great business idea but no idea where to start?

weVENTURE has what you need!

The IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concept into a successful business. The program includes 4 weeks of intensive coaching and support. With this dual-focused strategy, you get the information you need along with the support you want to help turn your ideas into a reality and launch your start-up with greater success!  Led by weVENTURE WBC staff and featuring presentations from local subject matter experts, this is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs who want to be able to ask questions, talk through challenges and benefit from deadlines and accountability support. 

Dates:  October 3, 10, 17, 24   8:30am - 10:30am

Location: 10/3 in-person, 10/10, 17, 24 online (in-person is at weVENTURE)

The Pathways Program covers the fundamentals of business development, from business planning and strategy development to financial management and marketing. Participants receive live instruction, take-home resources, one-on-one business coaching, access to industry experts, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs to journey along with.

So if you're ready to take your business concept to the next level, register for the IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program today. You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to turn your dreams into a thriving business.

Program size is limited. Talk to your weVENTURE WBC Business Coach today!

Cost:  $40