Training Events

weVENTURE WBC is proud to partner with the ATHENA Leadership Institute for a ninth 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 2025 IMPACT Summit, date TBA.

2025 dates:  Jan. 23; Feb. 27; Mar. 27; Apr. 24; May 22; Jun. 26; Aug. 28; Sep. 25; Oct. TBD

All sessions are from 1:30pm-3:30pm. 

The Treasure Coast Cohort will alternate between meeting in St. Lucie and Martin Counties, to make the program accessible to women from both communities. We are finalizing locations, but the schedule will be the following:

January 23 - St. Lucie County - optional informational session for prospective participants

February 27th - Martin County - Session One:  Build Relationships

March 27th - St. Lucie County - Session Two:  Foster Collaboration

April 24th - Martin County - Session Three:  Act Courageously

May 22nd - St. Lucie County - Session Four:  Live Authentically

June 26th - VIRTUAL - Session Five:  Advocate Fiercely

August 28th - Martin County - Session Six:  Learn Constantly

September 25th - St. Lucie County - Session Seven:  Give Back

October - IMPACT Summit and/or class date TBD - Session Eight:  Celebrate

St. Lucie County location:  St. Lucie EDC Office, 1790 SW Gatlin Blvd, fl 202, Port St. Lucie, FL  34953

Martin County location:  Palm City Community Center, 2701 SW Cornell Ave, Palm City, FL  34990

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.  An Early Registration discount of $100 is available up to one week before first session date.

weVENTURE WBC is proud to partner with the ATHENA Leadership Institute for a ninth 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 2025 IMPACT Summit, date TBA.

2025 dates: Apr. 24; May 22; Jun. 26; Jul. 24; Aug. 28; Sep. 25; Oct. 23 and Nov. 20.

All sessions are from 8:30am-10:30am at Florida Tech's Center for Aeronautics and Innovation, 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.

In this 2-hour VIRTUAL workshop, we will review the 12 steps to starting your own business and what it takes to maintain an entrepreneurial mindset.

In this 2-hour VIRTUAL workshop, we will review the 12 steps to starting your own business and what it takes to maintain an entrepreneurial mindset.

Presented in English & Spanish - Everyone is welcome!

Presentado en Inglés y Español - ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

Join weVENTURE and the Brevard Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an evening workshop of business networking and marketing. Increase sales via psychological marketing strategies and relationship-building insights. 

$10 for Hispanic Chamber Members, $15 for non-members. 

Únase a weVENTURE y a la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Brevard para un taller vespertino sobre networking empresarial y marketing. Aumente sus ventas mediante estrategias de marketing psicológico y conocimientos para fortalecer sus relaciones.

$10 para miembros de la Cámara Hispana, $15 para quienes no son miembros.

A Day of Growth and Connection

Presented by Kimco Real Estate

Hosted by the City of Cocoa and Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, in partnership with weVENTURE WBC

Date: Monday, August 25, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Multiple (Cocoa Civic Center, Porcher House, and Community Woman’s Club)

Join us for a day dedicated to business owners and their teams. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of scaling your business, managing finances, or seeking networking opportunities, this conference is designed to provide valuable insights and connections.

Event Registration is done via the Historic Cocoa Village website, but weVENTURE WBC clients can use code WEVENTURE15 for reduced admission.

Registration here on our weVENTURE WBC ecenter platform is not necessary, but let's us know who is planning to attend! We hope to see you there! 

Follow the event on Facebook to stay updated!

Agenda/Timeline for the Event

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration and Networking Breakfast

Begin your day by checking in, collecting your conference materials, and enjoying a light breakfast while networking with fellow attendees.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Kick off the conference with a warm welcome from Kim Forbes-Stewart, Owner Kimco Real Estate, followed by an overview of the day’s agenda.

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

Keynote Address: “State of the Space Coast’s Economy”

Peter Cranis from Space Coast Tourism Council and Trudy McCarthy from Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast will share insights on the latest trends in the economy & strategies to drive business growth in the current market.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Q&A Session with Keynote Speakers

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable advice from the keynote speakers and other experienced professionals.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Coffee Break and Networking

Take a break, grab a cup of coffee, and continue connecting with peers and industry professionals.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Workshop: “Recession Proofing Your Business”

An interactive workshop led by Jeannette Kraar, a weVENTURE WBC Business Coach, to explore strategies for preparing your business for economic challenges.

11:30 PM – 12:30 PM

Networking & Lunch

Attendees are encouraged to visit the tabletop vendor area, sponsor exhibits, and enjoy a catered lunch.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Digital Marketing for Small Businesses – Kim Dickerson

Join us for an engaging and informative Digital Marketing Seminar designed specifically for small business owners. Learn how to effectively promote your business online using tools like social media, email campaigns, SEO, and digital ads.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from the following sessions to tailor your experience:

• Session A: Legal Tips for Business in an AI World – Andrea Willis
• Session B: City of Cocoa CRA – Samantha Senger

2:30 PM – 2:40 PM

Afternoon Break

A brief pause to recharge before diving into the next session.

2:40 PM – 3:40 PM

Workshop: “Leading in an AI Empowered World”

An interactive workshop presented by Keith Nugent, Owner of Camberlion exploring the opportunities of an AI approach and avoiding pitfalls.

3:40 PM – 4:45 PM

Panel Discussion with Financial Institutions

Attendees will gain direct insights and practical advice from a diverse panel of seasoned financial professionals. Moderated by Launch Credit Union, attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Closing Remarks and Thank You

Wrap up the conference with a summary of key takeaways and express gratitude to attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

HAPPY HOUR

Join us at the Community Woman’s Club in Historic Cocoa Village, for food, drinks and the opportunity to network with small business owners.

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 #201, Melbourne, FL 32904.

¿Estás listo para lanzar o hacer crecer tu negocio?

Únete a nosotros para una mañana de networking, beneficiosas presentaciones, y un delicioso almuerzo.

¡Todo en español!

Los talleres incluyen:

·       Aumentando las Ventas a través de Estrategias de Networking y Marketing

o   Javier Molinares con la Cámara Hispana de Brevard

·       Marketing para tu Negocio con Inteligencia Artificial

o   Dr. Jorge Campos con Total Chiropractic Care

·       Conectando Emprendedores con Capital y Servicios Bancarios

o   TBA

·       Aprovechando weVENTURE y Recursos Locales y en Línea para Negocios

o   Sondée Lima con weVENTURE WBC

·       Empezando un Negocio desde el Paso Uno

o   Karen Montas con Montas Turner, PA

Cuando: Sábado, 20 de septiembre 9am-1pm

Donde: Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, 2495 Palm Bay Road N.E.. Palm Bay, Florida 32905

Costo: $25 para el público – $15 para los miembros de la Cámara Hispana

Almuerzo latino incluido

¿Preguntas? Llama a Sondée Lima al 321-412-7350.

En asociación con la SBA, el Centro Hispano Brevard y Cámara Hispana de Comercio de Brevard.

Gracias a los patrocinadores L3Harris y Johnson & Montas PA.

Pathways en Español

Únete a nosotros por 4 semanas informativas para LANZAR y HACER CRECER tu propio negocio.

Día 1:

• Canvas Modulo de Negocio (BMC): Creación de tu hoja de ruta, plan para el éxito
• El Plan de Negocios: Creando tu hoja de ruta para el éxito parte dos

Día 2:

• Cómo empiezo: Requisitos para todos los nuevos negocios
• Los roles y responsabilidades de ser dueño: el trabajo del negocio

Día 3:

• La Mente Emprendedora: actitudes y habilidades esenciales para la gestión empresarial
• El dinero: Conceptos básicos financieros para los negocios

Día 4:

• Marketing y Ventas: Creciendo tu negocio
• Recursos

Después del seminario, tendrás tu propio mentor GRATIS para ayudarte y guiarte a través del proceso.

El evento se llevará a cabo en español.

El costo es de $40 y hay becas disponibles

El Programa Pathways cubre los fundamentos del desarrollo empresarial, desde la planificación empresarial y el desarrollo de estrategias hasta la gestión financiera y el marketing. Los participantes reciben instrucciones en vivo, recursos para llevar a casa, coaching empresarial individual, acceso a expertos de la industria y una comunidad de apoyo de emprendedores con ideas afines para recorrer el camino juntos.

Así que, si estás listo para llevar tu concepto de negocio al siguiente nivel, regístrate hoy en el programa de lanzamiento de empresas Pathways. Obtendrás el conocimiento, las habilidades y la confianza que necesitas para convertir tus sueños en un negocio próspero.

El tamaño del programa es limitado, así que no esperes; ¡habla hoy mismo con tu Coach Empresarial de weVENTURE WBC!

Para más información, llame a Sondee Lima al 321-343-7899

Este proyecto está financiado en parte por un acuerdo de cooperación con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de EE. UU (SBA por su sigla en inglés). weVENTURE WBC no discrimina por raza o género, y de hecho el 30% de nuestros clientes son hombres. Los servicios están disponibles en inglés y en español.

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:  Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18th 8:30am - 10:30am virtual except for 10/18 in-person.

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

weVENTURE Women's Business Center in the Florida Tech Bisk College of Business strives to be the leading resource for professional women on the Space and Treasure Coasts.  Each year, weVENTURE WBC hosts a leadership development conference, the IMPACT Summit, as an opportunity for individuals to invest time in personal and professional development.

This half-day in-person conference creates space to network, to be inspired, and to learn tangible techniques that can be applied to your work and personal life. This is our largest in-person training event of the year, and a great opportunity for new clients or those unfamiliar with the weVENTURE WBC network to get connected. And yes, men are invited too!  About 20% of weVENTURE WBC clients are men or family partnerships, and we value the opportunity to connect and support our male colleagues! 

8:30 - 9:00am Networking and breakfast. Vendor tables open

9:00 - 9:45am Welcome, keynote speaker

9:45 - 10:15am – IMPACT grant pitches

Snacks/popcorn available between sessions!

10:30 - 11:15am Breakout session A 

11:15 – 12:00pm Breakout session B

12:15 – 12:45pm  Final speaker/remarks, IMPACT grant winners announced!

12:45 - 2pm VIP luncheon 

Coming soon: full agenda and meet the breakout session speakers and topics on the website https://weventure.fit.edu/events/impact-summit/

General Admission is $50*, and includes light breakfast and the conference. *EARLY BIRD pricing $40 through 8/31/2025.

A VIP Luncheon is hosted immediately after the Summit for event sponsors, their guests, members of the League of Extraordinary Investors, and the IMPACT speakers. The luncheon is limited in capacity. If there is space, a limited number of tickets may be made available for purchase for guests already registered as General Admission or Student.  

For information about sponsoring this event, visit: https://weventure.fit.edu/events/impact-summit/ or email krudloff@fit.edu

Please register directly with AARP via this link: WORK FOR YOURSELF@50+ Virtual Workshop Florida: weVENTURE Tickets, Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite