Training Events

FREE Meet Your BAIL Team Event! 

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 - Panel Discussion 1: Managing Business Finances

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

10:15AM - Panel Discussion 2: Protecting Your Business

11:00 AM - Presentation by Otro Financial on alternative funding opportunities for small businesses

11:30 AM - Event concludes

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

Confirmed BAIL Team participants (now FULL):

BANKERS:

TD Bank

Fifth Third - Team Builder Sponsor

Bank of America

Community Credit Union

PNC Bank

Otro Financial - Leadership Sponsor

Valley Bank

ACCOUNTANTS:

Symplifi Accounting - Team Builder Sponsor

Clarke & Associates Financial Group

INSURANCE AGENTS:

One Group

Lighthouse Insurance Advisors

One Insurance Group

State Farm Insurance

Harbor Financial Group

LAWYERS:

Widerman Malek - Leadership Sponsor

Montas Turner, PA - Leadership Sponsor

Volk Law Offices, PA - Leadership Sponsor

Slonim Law - Team Builder Sponsor

White Bird Attorneys at Law - Team Builder Sponsor

Event sponsorships are available and help ensure weVENTURE WBC can offer events like this free to the public. 

Leadership Level (FULL) - $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 (FULL)

 -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: Online 2/7, 2/14, 2/28 and In-person 2/21 (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.

Join weVENTURE Women's Business Center for a community conversation around the critical importance of childcare and early childhood education on the Treasure Coast at the beautiful Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.

An expert panel will share data around the current childcare capacity on the Treasure Coast and how that is impacting families and employers, as well as data about the proven positive impact early childhood education has on a child's future performance in school and life. Our panel will share information on how we are working together to support childcare businesses and home-based childcare, including announcing new scholarships for our IGNITE 360 business mentoring program, thanks to grant from Wells Fargo.

Panel Experts:

• Tony Loupe, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
• Ric Banciella, Director, Business Engagement for Bosses for Babies, The Children's Movement of  Florida
• Robyn F. Perlman, Founder & President, The Business Leadership Institute for Early Learning

Topics:

· Childcare Capacity in St. Lucie County - current quality and quantity, as well as a projection of needs. # non-profit vs for profit

· The importance of early childcare on the labor force. The need for a variety of care options to help ensure parents can continue to work.

· Conversation about barriers to entry or challenges existing businesses face

o Workforce

o Costs associated with center care

o Regulatory environment

Thank you to our Breakfast Sponsor:

o Susan Provost, Age of Learning, Inc.

We invite the community to participate in this important discussion - employers, parents, community organizations and business leaders - as this industry impacts all others! 

Agenda:

9:00am - 9:30am Networking and Coffee

9:30am Welcome Remarks

9:45am-10:30am Presentation

10:30am - 11:00am Networking

Our mission is to IGNITE the economic power of women, and the best way to do that is to help address the #1 challenge women face: access to affordable childcare. weVENTURE WBC is committed to helping increase the local capacity for childcare by supporting childcare businesses throughout the Space and Treasure Coasts. Demand for quality childcare has never been greater, and there is also an increase in hybrid homeschool and education co-ops popping up all over the state. 

The IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concepts into successful businesses, and we are excited to host another cohort dedicated to the childcare and early childhood education industry. If you are thinking about starting a home-based or center care childcare business, this program includes 4 weeks of how-to start-up instruction to help make sure you are compliant and confident in starting your business. You get the information you need along with the support you want to help turn your ideas into a reality and launch your new business with greater success!  

Led by weVENTURE WBC staff and Alisa Coleman, a childcare industry expert dedicated to help new Directors and Owners succeed, this VIRTUAL class is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs who want to be able to ask questions, talk through challenges and benefit from accountability support to get things done!  

**Thanks to funding from Wells Fargo, this Childcare Industry Cohort is FREE for aspiring entrepreneurs or those managing a childcare business for two years or less.  Participants will benefit from both group sessions and additional 1:1 coaching with Alisa, an experienced childcare industry consultant. The childcare cohort will follow the proven weVENTURE WBC Pathways program to establish a solid foundation for their business as well as detailed instruction tailored to this unique industry. **

**Participants who attend all 4 sessions, complete the assignments and pass the learning assesment will also be awarded 1.6 CEUs via the Florida Association of Child Care Management.  Pathways Business Launch Class is presented in four weeks, with 2 modules covered each week. (2 hours per week = 8 hours in class); Participants are given homework, which we estimate takes 1-2 hours a week (estimate 6 hours total); Also as part of the program they are provided two 1 hour private 1:1 coaching sessions with our Alisa Coleman, our Childcare subject matter expert, (2 hours total). 

VIRTUAL Classes held Saturday Mornings 8:30am - 10:30 am  Dates:  Feb 21, 27, Mar 7*, 14 - *March 7th class is in person

Cost: FREE

The IGNITE 360o Pathways Business Launch Program - Childcare - Home-Based or Center Care Facilities 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. 

NOTE: If you are an established childcare business, operating for 2 years or more, we also have scholarships funded by Wells Fargo to participate in our IGNITE 360 Business Mentorship program.  This program identifies key outcomes that you need to address to improve business operations and growth. Clients are paired with a team of mentors to meet monthly for 6 months to help achieve the specific goals unique to YOUR business. This is a great program for business owners looking to navigate change, prepare for growth or expansion, implement new processes or systems, or prepare for succession or to sell. Email kregister@fit.edu to inquire about the IGNITE 360 Business Mentoring Program for Childcare and Early Education Businesses. 

The weVENTURE Women's Business Center, located in the Florida Tech Bisk College of Business, is committed to being the leading voice and resource for women on the Space and Treasure Coasts.  Since 2012, we have proudly organized the Women Who Rock Awards in Brevard County to shine a spotlight on individuals who are accomplishing remarkable feats and leading through their actions. 

New in 2026, the award ceremony will be in the afternoon from 4:30-5:30pm and will end with a networking reception from 5:30pm –7:00pm. Doors open at 4:00pm for networking.

• Small Business Owner of the Year
• Executive of the Year
• Excellence in Mentorship
• STEM Impact Leader Award
• Excellence in Caregiving
• Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service 

Visit our website for more information about how to nominate a woman or sponsor the event. 

Note this registration page is to reserve individual tickets only. Event and sponsorships should use the link above, or email weventure@fit.edu to request an invoice. 

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 21*; Jun. 25; Jul. 23; Aug. 27; Sep. 24; Oct. 22 and Nov. 19*.

*Due to federal holidays, we will meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in May and November. 

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. 

Program cost: $1,000 ($100 discount if you register and pay by April 1st)

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 and also includes registration fee for 2026 IMPACT Summit, October 1, 2026.

2026 dates: Apr. 23; May 21*; Jun. 25; Jul. 23; Aug. 27; Sep. 24; Oct. 22 and Nov. 19*.

*Due to holidays, the class will meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, not the 4th. 

All sessions are from 1:30am-3:30am at the St. Lucie EDC 1790 SW Gatlin Blvd fl 202, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953

Scholarship opportunities may be 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. 

Program cost: $1,000 ($100 discount if you register and pay by April 1st)

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